Clase, Guardians agree on $20M deal

After striking out in free agency, the Cleveland Guardians locked up one of their own, agreeing to terms with closer Emmanuel Clase on a $20 million, five-year contract, a person familiar with the negotiations told the Associated Press on Saturday.

Clase’s deal is pending him passing a physical, said the person who spoke on condition of anonymity because the team has not announced the agreement.

The deal includes club options for 2027 and 2028 worth $10 million each. It could be a few days before the deal is completed, the person said.

Clase missed all of 2020 after being suspended for performance-enhancing drugs. However, he thrived in his first year as Cleveland’s closer, recording 24 saves with a 1.29 ERA in 71 appearances as a rookie in 2021.

Angels cut Upton: The Los Angeles Angels have designated Justin Upton for assignment despite owing the slugging outfielder $28 million this season.

The Angels will still be responsible for Upton’s salary unless he’s claimed by another team, which seems unlikely. The 34year-old Upton hit .211 with 17 homers, 41 RBIs and a .705 OPS over 89 games last season.

Scherzer injured: New York Mets pitcher Max Scherzer is dealing with a hamstring issue and isn’t sure when he’ll pitch next, another frustrating setback for the top of New York’s heralded but suddenly fragile rotation.

A day after the Mets said star Jacob deGrom will miss significant time with a shoulder injury, Scherzer was scratched from his outing Saturday morning in a simulated game.

Scherzer said he wasn’t sure about the immediate plans. The three-time Cy Young Award winner said he doesn’t expect the trouble with his right hamstring to be a long-term problem.