The Cleveland Guardians will get left fielder Steven Kwan back from the 10-day injured list. Myles Straw was optioned to Triple-A Columbus as the corresponding move. Kwan has been out for over a week with back inflammation but has been cleared to return to action to get some rust off ahead of the postseason. The outfielder has had a rough second half but had reached base 11 times over his last four games before going on the IL. Cleveland managed to clinch the American League Central division title without one of the game’s best contact hitters.
Welcoming Steven Kwan back to the active roster today.#ForTheLand pic.twitter.com/hg8xfMSOIz
— GuardsInsider (@GuardsInsider) September 25, 2024
Steven Kwan Returns from Injury with Back Inflammation
At the midseason point, Kwan topped the MLB with an impressive .352 batting average. He came tantalizingly close to achieving a .400 batting average in the initial half of the season. However, Kwan’s performance took a downturn in the latter half, as his batting average plummeted to .201 for the Guardians. His absence for the majority of May can be attributed to a hamstring injury. Despite this setback, Kwan, a recipient of two Gold Glove awards, has managed to uphold a solid batting average of .291 for the season and with 13 home runs, while maintaining an outstanding fielding percentage of .995.
In Kwan’s absence, Straw returned to the group. This season, the Guardians designated him for assignment and removed him from the 40-man roster due to his apparent struggles. When Straw went unclaimed on waivers, he chose to accept being outrighted to Columbus instead of forfeiting his salary. He was summoned twice against the Minnesota Twins, first to replace Kwan, and then to pinch-run for Kyle Manzardo. Unfortunately, his stint lasted only seconds as he was picked off at first base.
With Kwan returning, the Guardians will enjoy a five-day break between the end of the regular season and the start of the postseason. They will host the ALDS at Progressive Field on October 5.
Main Photo: © John Jones-Imagn Images
