Emmanuel Clase Throws Clean Inning In Guardians Spring Training Debut

Emmanuel Clase made his 2024 spring training debut on Wednesday against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Several members of the Cleveland Guardians circulated in trade rumors during the offseason. One of them was pitcher Emmanuel Clase who was reportedly drawing interest from several National League teams.

At the end of the day, he was never moved and entered as the team's closer.

Clase made his 2024 spring training debut and looked like his normal self and in some cases, even better. He pitched 1.0 inning faced three batters, issued no walks, and struck out two batters. 

The three batters that Clase faced were Jorge Barrosa, Corbin Carroll, and Emmanuel Rivera all of whom are true big leaguers making Clase's first appearance in the spring that much more impressive.

Something that really stuck out in this outing is the two strikeouts. Clase, for as hard as he throws, isn't known as a strikeout pitcher. He had a 7.9 K/9 in 2023 which is uncommon for a pitcher who can hit triple digits consistently. The fact that he's already demonstrating such command of the plate is a great sign for the season.

Clase is looking to flip the narrative that was given to him in 2023. He finished the season with an ERA of 3.22, 1.156 WHIP, and a 2.91 FIP. While he did lead the American League in saves last year with 42, he also led the AL in blown saves too. This inconsistency made fans hold their breath when he took the mound in a close game.

Aug 6, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians relief pitcher Emmanuel Clase (48) throws a pitch during the ninth inning against the Chicago White Sox at Progressive Field / © Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

In Clase's defense, he has pitched in the most games over the last two years out of anyone in baseball. He's been a true workhorse for the Guardians and he looks ready to be that again in 2024.