Photo: Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire

On May 1, Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase was protecting a one-run lead in the bottom of the 10^th inning against the Astros. With a runner on second, Mauricio Dubon poked a breaking ball to left center field that looked like it was going to be a game-tying hit.

But two-time Fielding Bible Award-winning left fielder Steven Kwan did what Fielding Bible Award winners do. He ranged well over to left center, made a diving catch and subsequent throw to second base for a game-ending double play.

That’s part of the story of Clase’s amazing 2024 season – how good the Guardians defense, which ranks second in the majors in Defensive Runs Saved, has been behind him.

Clase has been one of the top closers in MLB since first taking on the role in 2021. He’s on pace to lead the AL in saves for a third straight season. His ERA currently stands at 0.70 and he hasn’t allowed more than one run in any of the 64 games he’s pitched this season.

Clase isn’t a high-strikeout pitcher but he also doesn’t walk anyone. His strikeout-to-walk ratio is just under 7-to-1 and he’s allowed 2 home runs in 64 1/3 innings pitched all season. Clase is supposed to be good but he’s not necessarily supposed to be this good. His FIP is 2.34.

Clase has allowed 35 hits in 64 1/3 innings pitched, a rate of fewer than 5 hits per 9 innings, and only 2 batters have reached via error.

The Guardians have recorded 10 Defensive Runs Saved against the batted balls hit versus Clase. He’s one of 19 pitchers for whom teams have saved at least 10 runs with defense, with two other relievers in that group (Ryan Yarbrough slightly ahead of Clase and Bryan Hudson slightly behind).

Clase has gotten the most defensive support among Guardians pitchers despite ranking 7^th on the team in innings pitched.

Because the circumstances of Clase’s appearances are often do-or-die, every play is important. The particularly good-looking ones for the Guardians with Clase on the mound have been of varied types.

Good positioning matters too

Clase got a similar level of defensive support in 2022 when the Guardians saved 9 runs behind him, but their defense didn’t do much for him in 2021 or 2023 (-1 and -3 Runs Saved, respectively)

This whole presentation hasn’t been meant to devalue Clase’s effort. He’s done a much better job this season in terms of contact quality than he had last season (his hard-hit rate has dropped from 38% to 31%, a rate that ranks in the 96th percentile). He’s legitimately been the best relief pitcher in baseball this season. If there’s one thing to take away from this piece it’s that the Guardians have lived up to their name in how they’ve played behind him.