Apr 6, 2018; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians logo Chief Wahoo on the uniform of Cleveland Indians third base coach Mike Sarbaugh (16) during the game between the Cleveland Indians and the Kansas City Royals at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
The Cleveland Indians surprised many this offseason by trading All-Star pitcher Corey Kluber for an underwhelming return. Now, after moving their ace, the Indians will be without their prized return from the trade following an 80-game suspension.
Despite MLB being suspended indefinitely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, one of MLB’s top pitching prospects was hit with an 80-game suspension on Friday.
Cleveland Indians pitcher Emmanuel Clase is receiving an 80-game suspension after testing positive for Boldenone, per The Athletic’s Zack Meisel. The steroid is among the drugs banned by MLB under is performance-enhancing drug policy and Clase will serve the suspension whenever the MLB season begins.
The 22-year-old made his MLB debut in 2019 with the Texas Rangers. Across 23.1 innings, the right-handed pitcher struck out 21 batters and allowed 20 hits with a 2.31 ERA. He started the season at the High-A level for Texas and pitched seven shutout innings with 11 strikeouts. The Rangers promoted him to Double-A and he continued to thrive, recording a 3.35 ERA with 29 strikeouts across 37.2 innings.
Considered to be one of the top reliever prospects in MLB< Clase ranked as Cleveland’s No. 15 prospect by MLB.com. He was expected to be a part of the team’s bullpen early in the 2020 season with a shot to develop into their closer of the future.