CLEVELAND -- Emmanuel Clase is breaking bats and records at an almost equal pace. The Guardians' closer with a devilish cut fastball not seen since Hall of Famer Mariano Rivera's dominant days with the New York Yankees is having a season to remember.

The 26-year old Clase is posting statistics that almost seem imaginary. He's allowed just five earned runs in 69¹/³ innings, a 0.65 ERA.

The AL hasn't had a relief pitcher win the Cy Young award since Oakland A's closer Dennis Eckersley in 1992. Los Angeles Dodgers closer Eric Gagne was the last NL reliever to win it after saving 55 games in 2003.

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