Guardians' Emmanuel Clase Reaches Impressive Career Milestone
Fans were rightfully disappointed when the Cleveland Guardians (who were known as the Indians at that point) traded Corey Kluber to the Texas Rangers. Kluber had been a staple in the rotation for years winning two Cy Young awards and leading the team to a World Series appearance in 2016.
Kluber was a fan favorite and seeing him move on wasn't easy. However, those feelings would've stung a little less if we knew exactly what was on the other side of that trade.
Texas sent Cleveland outfielder DeLino DeShields and relief pitcher in return for Kluber. That pitcher was closer Emmanuel Clase.
Clase has turned into the Guardians' go-to closer, has already made two All-Star games through his first three seasons with the team, and has become when of baseball's best pitchers late in games. The organization was also able to reach a five-year $20 million extension before the 2022 season.
The hard-throwing righty reached an impressive milestone on Friday night as the Guardians beat the Tigers. Clase recorded his 100th career save. He only had one save while he was a Ranger meaning the next 99 came in a Cleveland uniform.
Clase had 24 saves during the shortened 2020 season, 42 in 2022, and currently has 33 in 2023. He led the league in saves last season and is on track to do the same this year.
This is a great accomplishment for Clase and Guardians fans will get to watch him close out games for years to come.
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