Emmanuel Clase blows MLB-leading 10th save, Guardians lose 3-2

There has been a recurring theme at the back end of the Cleveland Guardians bullpen this season. Emmanuel Clase blowing a save.

Coming into the game with a slim 2-1 lead, Clase took the mound with a chance to secure what would be his MLB-leading 39th save. Unfortunately, that would not be the case as the Los Angeles Angels were able to not only tie the game but win the game with a walk-off single. This would be Clase's 10th blown save of the season, the most in Major League Baseball.

Adding insult to injury is the fact that it was Randal Grichuck, a player that the Angels have placed on waivers twice, was the one who walked off the Guardians. Los Angeles is actively trying to get any other team to claim this person to remove him from their roster, and here he is winning games for the Angels and increasing the Guardians' deficit in the American League Central Division to 6.5. Not that Cleveland's chances in the division were great entering the series to begin with, it is incredibly frustrating to see it become larger in this manner.

This is the type of game that Clase is supposed to come in, shut down the opposing lineup, and end the game in quick order. The fact that the 9th inning has become an adventure more than anyone would like to see is a bit concerning. Could the Guardians have scored another run or two to give him more of a cushion to work with? Yes. However, taking care of business in situations such as this is why the Guardians signed Clase to an extension that can last through the 2028 season via two club options.

Hopefully, this is something that Clase can work on and get out of his system for next season. If the Guardians can fix some or all of their issues in the hitting department, they are going to need a lockdown closer at the back end of their bullpen. While Clase has been very close to that this season, he needs to be better next year.