Clase (lat) has been suspended for 80 games after testing positive for the PED Boldenone, Anthony Castrovince of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The key returning piece in the Indians' trade of Corey Kluber to the Rangers in December, Clase was expected to work in a high-leverage role out of the bullpen. With there being no way of predicting yet how long the 2020 season might be, the 80-game suspension figures to prevent him from taking the field for a large chunk of the shortened campaign, but he could potentially return for the stretch run. He's also still rehabbing from a lat injury, but that issue should be long cleared up by the time he's served his suspension.

Clase (back) is progressing well in his recovery, according to manager Terry Francona, Tom Withers of the Associated Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

He is already throwing in the Dominican Republic, according to Zack Meisel of The Athletic. It was reported Feb. 27 that he would be out for 2-to-3 months, so we are nearing the lower bound of that estimate. The Indians will likely proceed cautiously with Clase in his return to game action, but it's feasible that he could be available when play resumes.

The Indians announced Thursday that Clase's MRI revealed a moderate strain of the teres major muscle in his upper back, Mandy Bell of MLB.com reports. The reliever is expected to miss 8-to-12 weeks of activity.

EDGE Analysis

Cleveland intends to evaluate Clase weekly before pinpointing a more precise timetable for his return, but the 21-year-old won't be ready to even start a throwing program until May at the earliest while he remains shut down from activity. It's a disappointing development for Clase, the main prize Cleveland took back in the offseason trade that sent Corey Kluber to the Rangers. The hard-throwing righty was expected to vie for a key setup role for the Tribe in 2020, but the injury now makes it tough to justify drafting him even in AL-only leagues that count holds as a category. With Clase on the shelf, James Karinchak seemingly profiles as the clear top handcuff to closer Brad Hand.

Clase is awaiting the results of an MRI after experiencing some lat discomfort after throwing Monday, Jesse Sanchez of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Part of the return in the Corey Kluber trade over the winter, Clase appears poised to fill an important role near the back of Cleveland's bullpen, though whether or not he's able to do that depends on the result of his MRI. He burst onto the scene with a 99 mph fastball as a 21-year-old last season, recording a 2.31 ERA and a 1.11 WHIP in 23.1 innings of work.

Clase is working through some lat discomfort, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

The issue appears to be a minor one, with manager Terry Francona saying that the 21-year-old would pitch through the problem if it occurred during the regular season. Clase has only 23.1 big-league innings under his belt, but his 2.31 ERA in those innings and his 99 mph heat (backed up by a 90.5 mph slider) have him projecting as one of the top alternatives to close in Cleveland should Brad Hand struggle or get injured.

Clase and Delino DeShields are being traded Sunday from the Rangers to the Indians in exchange for Corey Kluber (oblique), Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Clase made his way to the majors in early August and pitched well during his first taste of the majors, posting a 2.31 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 21:6 K:BB over 23.1 innings with four holds and one save. The 21-year-old averages over 99 mph with both his four-seam fastball and cutter, with a 90.5 mph slider as a complement. The right-hander could immediately slide into a high-leverage bullpen role in front of closer Brad Hand for the Indians.

Clase gave up a hit and struck out one in a scoreless ninth inning Friday to record his first career save in a 6-3 win over the Mariners.

EDGE Analysis

Jose Leclerc had pitched in both of the prior two games and struggled Thursday. Clase's save opportunity may not signal a full changing of the guard at closer for the Rangers, but the rookie with the 99 mph fastball could well be the future in the ninth inning for the club. Don't be surprised if he gets a few more chances to finish out games for Texas in September.

Clase will serve as the Rangers' opening pitcher Wednesday against the Angels.

EDGE Analysis

The flame-throwing reliever hasn't worked more than two innings in any of his nine appearances with Texas this season, so he likely won't be asked to record more than six outs as he makes his first MLB "start." Ariel Jurado is slated to enter the contest after Clase and cover the bulk of the frames for Texas.

Clase logged a perfect eighth inning Wednesday against the Indians.

EDGE Analysis

He did not allow a baserunner or record a strikeout, needing 13 pitches (11 strikes) to complete the frame. Arguably the second-best relief pitching prospect in baseball behind Andres Munoz, Clase can touch triple digits with his fastball and has a cutter that touched 98 mph in this outing. Through 2.2 MLB innings, he has not allowed a hit while walking one and striking out one. Clase clearly has ninth-inning stuff and could take over as the Rangers closer at some point in 2020, if not sooner.

Clase had his contract selected from Double-A Frisco on Friday, T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Clase will be in line to make his major-league debut after posting a 3.35 ERA and 1.13 WHIP with a 39:8 K:BB over 37.2 innings this season at Double-A. Kyle Bird was optioned to Triple-A Nashville in a corresponding move.