Cleveland Guardians’ Closer Struggles Spark Concerns as Team Faces Challenges

CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Cleveland Guardians are facing critical questions about their bullpen this season as closer Emmanuel Clase continues to struggle, raising concerns among fans and analysts alike.

With the Guardians’ season just beginning, Clase, an All-Star closer in 2024, has already shown signs of a rocky performance. After nearly flawless years in the past, he encountered significant challenges during the postseason and has carried that inconsistency into the current season.

In a recent game, Clase narrowly escaped disaster as a potential tying run was cut down when Mike Tauchman strained his hamstring while heading home. The unexpected out allowed Clase to secure a save, albeit in a manner reminiscent of a chaotic affair, raising eyebrows about his current state.

“No matter how well a team plays for eight innings, it doesn’t matter if the closer can’t protect those leads in the ninth,” said Paul Hoynes on the Cleveland Baseball Talk podcast. Hoynes expressed concern over Clase’s current struggles, emphasizing the critical role of a successful closer.

Despite his physical prowess, Clase’s confidence has come into question. Manager Stephen Vogt has publicly supported him, declaring him the best closer in baseball. However, he also acknowledged that the Guardians have options if Clase’s performance continues to falter. Potential alternatives include Cade Smith, Hunter Gaddis, and veteran Paul Sewald, who has saved 34 games in previous seasons.

“He’ll get every chance to find whatever it is he’s lost,” Vogt said, hinting at the team’s commitment to giving Clase opportunities to regain his form.

As the Guardians prepare for upcoming games, fans are left wondering how long the team can afford to rely on an inconsistent closer. The margin for victory is slim, and with critical series against teams like the Chicago White Sox on the horizon, each game becomes increasingly vital.

However, amidst the challenges on the mound, there are glimmers of hope for the Guardians’ pitching staff. Gavin Williams emerged as a bright spot during the series finale against the White Sox, delivering a solid performance with five innings pitched, only allowing one earned run while striking out seven batters.

“After he got through those first two innings, he kind of locked in. He was throwing a lot of strikes,” Hoynes noted, underscoring Williams’ potential to become a frontline starter as he adjusts to the major leagues.

Despite issuing some walks early on, Williams found his rhythm and was nearly unhittable later in the game, showing promise as part of Cleveland’s strategy to build around young, controllable pitching talent. His performance is crucial given the uncertainties surrounding the bullpen.

The Guardians must act quickly to address the strains on their roster, as they have upcoming matchups against the Kansas City Royals and then a six-game trip to Baltimore and Pittsburgh. The question remains whether Clase can rise to the occasion or whether the Guardians will need to reposition their bullpen before it’s too late.

With the season still in its early stages, the Guardians continue to navigate the complexities of their roster while hoping to secure a strong footing in the American League. If Gavin Williams and others can step up, it might just provide the support needed for Clase to regain his confidence on the mound.