The New York Yankees’ lone lowlight of the 2024 ALCS appears to be the one that has somehow lingered negatively the longest in Cleveland.

The Yankees, fueled by Juan Soto’s three-run homer in extra innings in Game 5, advanced to the World Series over the Guardians, battling back from the brink of a momentum switch after Game 3 ended with a Jhonkensy Noel home run against Luke Weaver and extra-inning walk-off against Clay Holmes. New York had taken the first two in the Bronx, and nearly rallied to steal Game 3 as well, riding an Aaron Judge lightning strike and Giancarlo Stanton monster follow-up to humble All-World closer Emmanuel Clase and his super cutter.

The entire Guardians bullpen was supposed to be their differentiating strength last season, but each and every one of them, save Tim Herrin, got torched in a big moment on the verge of the Fall Classic. Clase probably got stung the worst. Judge and Stanton punctured him, leading to a postgame Instagram story for the ages. After Cleveland rallied to tie Game 4 against the beleaguered Yankees ‘pen, Clase broke the tie and fueled a hilarious loss yet again. That inexplicable sequence of events paved the way for New York to polish things off on the road.

And Clase, who had a partial Cy Young case last season, has not stopped scuffling since. The number of hits allowed since the playoffs began (shoutout to Kerry Carpenter, too!) has been nothing short of staggering, and the extended offseason break did not help him right the ship.

Guardians’ Emmanuel Clase hasn’t been the same since Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton whomped him in 2024 ALCS

But, hey, look on the bright side: more opportunities for Clase to flex those vaunted Individual Achievement rings he loved so much last year!

Closing is the most volatile thing you can do year-over-year in the grand game of Major League Baseball. Clase’s struggles prove that not even the behemoths are infallible, and one playoff moment of misfortune can set anyone over the edge, even if their signature pitch seems eternally unhittable.

Don’t think this is about Devin Williams. Don’t tell anyone I accidentally drew a parallel between Clase and Devin Williams.

The Yankees didn’t get a look at Clase against the Guardians this week (and he may be suffering from shoulder issues), but hopefully, New York has a large lead at some point later this season and the Guards bring in Clase to “get some work in,” the ultimate indignity for a scuffling fireman. It’d be nice to see what we wrought last fall up close and in person. A fan can dream.