Andrew Buller-Russ
Chasing first place in the American League Central, the Cleveland Guardians could use a boost before the July 31 MLB trade deadline passes. Unfortunately, after Monday’s news, the Guardians will need even more help than they anticipated.
According to ESPN’s MLB expert Jeff Passan, three-time All-Star closer Emmanuel Clase has been placed on the non-disciplinary paid leave list. This is a result of the MLB’s ongoing sports-betting investigation.
If this sounds like a broken record, it’s because it is a very familiar story to the Guardians, as fellow pitcher Luis Ortiz is already on paid leave for the same reasons.
Clase’s leave will run through August 31, taking him out of action for over a month. That means the Guardians will have to find a new closer to rely on, as he leads the team with 24 saves this season. Cade Smith has three, and Paul Sewald has two.
The Guardians enter MLB games today trailing the Detroit Tigers for first place in the AL Central division. They’re 3.5 games behind the second wild card slot in the AL playoff race, and Clase’s absence surely won’t help.
Related: Report: Cleveland Guardians Open to Steven Kwan Trade, 4 Landing Spots
