CLEVELAND, Ohio — It has taken a collective effort to replace closer Emmanuel Clase in the Guardians’ bullpen. Clase was placed on non-disciplinary paid leave on July 28 because Major League Baseball is investigating him for gambling allegations that first surfaced when Clase’s teammate, Luis Ortiz, was placed on paid leave on July 3.

The Guardians were shut out for the 12th time and fell one game behind the Yankees for the final American League wild-card spot.

The Cleveland Guardians celebrated legendary broadcaster Tom Hamilton on Saturday night, ahead of their matchup with the Atlanta Braves. Cleveland’s play-by-play announcer was recently inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame upon receiving the 2025 Ford C Frick Award.

The Atlanta Braves play against the Cleveland Guardians in an MLB game tonight. Fans can watch this game for free online.

The Cleveland Guardians were ranked as one of MLB's top farm systems, according to MLB.com. They come in at No. 5.

The surprise honor comes weeks after Hammy received the prestigious Ford C. Frick Award from the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

The Progressive Field crowd broke into a “Hedgey, Hedgey” chant in the seventh inning, imploring catcher Austin Hedges as he batted with runners on the corners and one out. Hedges lofted a sac fly to center field to supply the Guardians with an insurance run.

The agency that oversees sports gambling in Ohio says it is working with Major League Baseball on the investigation of Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz, but had no further comment.

The Guardians face bullpen challenges as their closer remains on leave, while the team pushes for a wild card spot just half a game behind the Yankees.

When the Cleveland Guardians learned that Emmanuel Clase would be placed on administrative leave amid an MLB investigation, Stephen Vogt initially said the team would go "closer by committee" instead of appointing one pitcher to that position.