Zack Meisel discussed these topics and more during a wide-ranging live Q&A with The Athletic subscribers on Friday.

The Guardians, who have traditionally finished spring training with exhibitions at Chase Field in late March in recent years, have a team led by All-Star third baseman Jose Ramirez and outfielder Steven Kwan. Stephen Vogt, formerly with the Diamondbacks as a player, manages the Guardians.

They have done so without Emmanuel Clase, one of the most dominant relievers in baseball, who is on non-paid administrative leave due to a potential gambling probe. However, this has allowed new arms to get opportunities in save situations.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — It has taken a collective effort to replace closer Emmanuel Clase in the Guardians’ bullpen. Clase was placed on non-disciplinary paid leave on July 28 because Major League Baseball is investigating him for gambling allegations that first surfaced when Clase’s teammate, Luis Ortiz, was placed on paid leave on July 3.

Preview the Aug. 17 matchup between the Cleveland Guardians and Atlanta Braves with recent trends, how to watch, livestream info, and more.

When the Cleveland Guardians learned that Emmanuel Clase would be placed on administrative leave amid an MLB investigation, Stephen Vogt initially said the team would go "closer by committee" instead of appointing one pitcher to that position.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Do you have a question about the Guardians that you’d like to have answered in Hey, Hoynsie? You can subscribe to Subtext here, text Hoynsie at 216-208-4346 for a two-week free trial or email him at [email protected].

Preview the Aug. 16 matchup between the Atlanta Braves and Cleveland Guardians with recent trends, how to watch, livestream info, and more.