Stephen Vogt reacted to Sunday's outing and offered a possible explanation for Clase's early-season struggles. "Anytime they're finding barrels, it's just in the middle [of the zo

With upcoming series against formidable opponents like the Yankees, Red Sox, and Twins, the Guardians face a critical decision point. Each game matters, especially in a competitive AL Central, and the team can’t afford to keep experimenting with Clase in high-leverage situations if the results don’t improve.

That was followed by New York’s Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton connecting for back-to-back homers off Clase in Game 3 of the ALCS, a game the Guardians rallied to win in extras. The right-hander then gave up two runs in the ninth in Game 4 and finished the series with a 15.43 ERA in three outings against the Yankees.