The Cleveland Guardians are riding a hot streak at the moment, winning their last five games and taking sole possession of first place in the AL Central division with a 14-9 record.
Imagine if they had the 2024 version of closer Emmanuel Clase, the one who posted a 0.61 ERA and allowed five earned runs all year.
The righty boasts a horrible 7.84 ERA this year, though.
Speaking of Clase, he hasn’t pitched since his Sunday implosion, when he conceded three runs and blew a save.
When Cade Smith saved Monday’s game against the New York Yankees, most fans assumed manager Stephen Vogt was just giving Clase a breather after being worked heavily in recent days.
However, there was another save chance on Tuesday, and Smith (who has also worked a lot in recent games) was the one who successfully protected a one-run lead.
Is there a closer controversy in Cleveland?
Vogt discussed the matter.
“Stephen Vogt said the Guardians wanted to give Emmanuel Clase a second day of rest after pitching in all three games over the weekend. He said not to read into anything. Smith, for what it’s worth, has appeared in four of the last five games,” Guards insider Zack Meisel posted on X.
Stephen Vogt said the Guardians wanted to give Emmanuel Clase a second day of rest after pitching in all three games over the weekend. He said not to read into anything. Smith, for what it’s worth, has appeared in four of the last five games.
— Zack Meisel (@ZackMeisel) April 23, 2025
Well, there you have it.
It’s kind of odd having your ninth-inning stopper skip two save opportunities in a row, but maybe Clase needed an extended break.
Perhaps Vogt wanted to make sure to win Tuesday’s game, and with it being a one-run affair, he preferred to go with his most reliable reliever at the moment, which is Smith.
According to the skipper, Clase is still the guy in the ninth inning.
NEXT: Guardians Climb To First Place In Division
