Guardians' Closer Conundrum: Unpacking Emmanuel Clase's Recent Woes

The Cleveland Guardians have been one of the most surprising teams in Major League Baseball this season, with a strong roster and impressive performances from their young players. However, one area of concern for the team has been the recent struggles of their closer, Emmanuel Clase. In this article, we'll delve into the issues facing Clase and what it means for the Guardians' chances of making a deep playoff run.

Clase, who was acquired by the Guardians in a trade with the Texas Rangers in 2020, has been a key member of the team's bullpen. The 24-year-old right-hander has a blazing fastball and a sharp slider, which made him a highly touted prospect in the Rangers' organization. However, over the past few weeks, Clase has struggled to find his form, blowing several saves and allowing a high number of runs.

What's Behind Clase's Struggles?

So, what's behind Clase's recent struggles? According to Guardians skipper Terry Francona, it's a combination of factors. "Emmanuel's been working on some mechanical issues, and it's taken him a little while to get comfortable," Francona said in a recent interview. "He's also been facing some tough lineups, and that's never easy." Clase's struggles have been evident in his numbers, with an ERA of 4.50 over his last 10 appearances, compared to a 1.50 ERA over his first 20 appearances of the season.

Another factor contributing to Clase's struggles may be the pressure of being a closer. As the team's primary closer, Clase is often called upon to pitch in high-pressure situations, which can be mentally and physically taxing. "It's not easy being a closer," Francona said. "You're always facing the best hitters, and the margin for error is small. Emmanuel's still learning and growing, and we're confident he'll bounce back."

Impact on the Guardians' Season

The Guardians' chances of making a deep playoff run may be impacted by Clase's struggles. With a strong bullpen, the team has been able to shut down games and secure wins, but without a reliable closer, they may struggle to close out games. "We need Emmanuel to be himself," Francona said. "He's a big part of our bullpen, and we need him to be able to shut the door."

Despite Clase's struggles, the Guardians remain optimistic about their chances. The team has a strong starting rotation and a deep lineup, and they've shown an ability to win games in a variety of ways. "We're a team that can win in different ways," Francona said. "We can win with our pitching, our hitting, or our defense. We just need to find a way to be consistent and play to our strengths."

In conclusion, Emmanuel Clase's recent struggles have been a concern for the Cleveland Guardians, but the team remains confident in his abilities. With some mechanical adjustments and a bit of luck, Clase should be able to bounce back and become the dominant closer the team needs him to be. As the season heats up, the Guardians will be counting on Clase to shut the door and secure wins. With their strong roster and depth, the team is well-positioned to make a deep playoff run, and Clase's performance will be a key factor in their success.

The Guardians' next game is against the Chicago White Sox, and Clase will likely be called upon to pitch in a high-pressure situation. Will he be able to bounce back and secure the win, or will his struggles continue? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain - the Guardians will be counting on Clase to be a key contributor to their success.