As the Cleveland Guardians dominate the American League Central and have the third-best run differential, they’ve suffered a setback after placing left fielder Steven Kwan on the ten-day injured list due to a left hamstring injury.
With Kwan sidelined, the Guardians will elevate Kyle Manzardo to their Major League Baseball rotation. Cleveland acquired him via trade with the Tampa Bay Rays, which received Aaron Civale. After returning from a shoulder injury, Manzardo has been impressive for Triple-A Columbus, thanks to his combination of plate discipline and hitting prowess.
#Guardians Steven Kwan left today's game with left hamstring tightness.
— Mike Kurland (@Mike_Kurland) May 4, 2024
Appears to be bothered by it after making this play on defense.
He came out the next half inning pic.twitter.com/3nS3GXS1If
In 29 games with the Clippers this year, Manzardo is hitting .303/.375/.642 with nine home runs and 20 RBIs in 108 at-bats. Last year, he had 17 home runs and 55 RBIs while playing for three minor league teams.
After a remarkable journey through various minor league teams, including the FCL Rays, Montgomery Biscuits, Bowling Green Hot Rods, Durham Bulls, the ACL Guardians, and the Peoria Javelinas, Kyle Manzardo is now set to make his mark for the Guardians.
Meanwhile, Kwan suffered an injury while trying to field a fly ball. Before the injury, he led the American League in batting average (.353), with three home runs and 11 RBIs in 133 at-bats. He has been relatively healthy in his first two seasons with the Guardians, playing 147 games in 2022 and 158 a year later.
-Lance Fernandez