Guardians Pitcher's Dad Had Four Words After Emmanuel Clase News

Guardians Pitcher's Dad Had Four Words After Emmanuel Clase News originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

The MLB world was stunned on Monday when ESPN's Jeff Passan reported that Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase had been placed on non-disciplinary paid leave related to a sports-betting investigation. This report comes just weeks after Guardians starting pitcher Luis Ortiz was placed on leave for the same reason.

A three-time All-Star and the Guardians' all-time leader in saves, Clase is one of the best relievers in baseball. While his 3.23 ERA this season is a major step back from his historic 2024 campaign in which he surrendered just five earned runs for a microscopic 0.61 ERA, Clase is still one of the game's most-feared arms.

With the hard-throwing right-hander on leave through at least Aug. 31, the Guardians will likely turn to second-year reliever Cade Smith for closing opportunities. Smith posted a 1.91 ERA in 74 appearances as a rookie last season, striking out 103 batters in 75.1 innings pitched. He has also taken a step back this season, but his 3.01 ERA is still solid, and his 34.2 strikeout percentage is very similar to last year's mark.

Shortly after the Clase news, Smith's father took to X where he shared his reaction with just four words.

"This is not good," he wrote.

This is not good. https://t.co/uX3SBz2IgX

— Tim Smith (@TimJSmith23) July 28, 2025

Tim Smith is an active member of the Guardians' online social media community. Mandy Bell, the former Guardians beat writer for MLB.com, highlighted Tim in 2024 when his son debuted for Cleveland.

Now, the Smith family may get the opportunity to see their son promoted to closer duties, but certainly not under the circumstances they would have chosen.

Related: Guardians Make Unexpected Steven Kwan Decision Before Athletics Game

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 28, 2025, where it first appeared.