Indians RHP Clase out with back sprain, could miss 3 months

By: Associated Press, The Associated Press Posted: 10:43 AM CST Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020

GOODYEAR, Ariz. - Indians reliever Emmanuel Clase could be sidelined three months with a strained back muscle, another blow to Cleveland's pitching staff.

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GOODYEAR, Ariz. - Indians reliever Emmanuel Clase could be sidelined three months with a strained back muscle, another blow to Cleveland's pitching staff.

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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 27/02/2020 (2349 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

GOODYEAR, Ariz. – Indians reliever Emmanuel Clase could be sidelined three months with a strained back muscle, another blow to Cleveland’s pitching staff.

The hard-throwing Clase, the centerpiece of an off-season trade that sent two-time Cy Young Award winner Corey Kluber to Texas, experienced upper arm discomfort following a bullpen session last week. He continued to have issues this week and the Indians had him undergo imaging tests Wednesday.

An MRI confirmed a moderate strain of the teres major muscle in his upper back. The team said he will be re-evaluated weekly, but the 21-year-old is expected to miss 8-to-12 weeks of game activity.

FILE - In this Feb. 14, 2020, file photo, Cleveland Indians pitcher Emmanuel Clase stretches during spring training baseball workouts for pitchers and catchers in Avondale, Ariz. The hard-throwing Clase, who was acquired this winter from Texas in the trade for two-time Cy Young winner Corey Kluber, experienced upper arm discomfort following a bullpen session last week. He continued to have issues this week and the Indians had him undergo tests Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020. An MRI confirmed a moderate strain of the teres major muscle in his upper back. The team said he will be re-evaluated weekly, but the x-year-old is expected to miss 8-to-12 weeks of game activity.(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File)

Clase was expected to have a role in the back end of Cleveland’s bullpen.

It’s been a tough start to camp for Indians pitchers as starters Mike Clevinger (knee surgery), Carlos Carrasco (hip flexor) and Aaron Civale (sore groin) are all sidelined. Clevinger is making progress but is not expected to be ready for major league games until at least mid-April.

Clase’s fastball has been clocked over 100 mph. He made 21 appearances for the Rangers last season and recorded 21 strikeouts in 23 1/3 innings.

Before being hurt, he had been impressive this spring. Manager Terry Francona noted after a session earlier in camp that Clase was “throwing 100 mph bowling balls. It was heavy. It looked really heavy.”

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