The Cleveland Guardians made significant roster moves on Monday, placing Steven Kwan, the American League batting leader, on the 10-day injured list due to a left hamstring strain. In a corresponding move, the team selected the contract of top prospect Kyle Manzardo.
Additionally, the Guardians activated left-hander Sam Hentges from the 15-day injured list and optioned right-hander Peter Strzelecki to Triple-A Columbus.
Kwan’s injury occurred during a game against the Los Angeles Angels on Saturday when he sustained the hamstring strain while making a play in the outfield. As a result, he had to leave the game after just three innings. Kwan had been a standout performer this season, leading the AL with a .353 batting average, recording 47 hits (ranking second in the league), and setting a major league record with 74 consecutive plate appearances without striking out.
Guardians manager Stephen Vogt expressed concern about the absence of Kwan at the top of the batting order. Vogt emphasized the importance of ensuring Kwan’s full recovery before his return to the field.
Kwan, 26, had also contributed three home runs and 11 RBIs in 32 games before being sidelined. His placement on the injured list is retroactive to Sunday.
Regarding Kwan’s recovery process, Vogt expressed confidence in the team’s medical staff, highlighting their efforts to ensure Kwan’s readiness to return to play. However, Vogt acknowledged the challenge of replacing a player of Kwan’s caliber and expressed hope for his swift return.
Meanwhile, Kyle Manzardo, ranked as the Guardians’ No. 2 prospect and No. 52 overall by MLB Pipeline, was set to join the lineup as Cleveland’s designated hitter against the Detroit Tigers on Monday. Manzardo had been performing well at Triple-A Columbus, boasting a .303 batting average with a .375 on-base percentage, .642 slugging percentage, nine home runs, and 20 RBIs over 109 at-bats across 29 games.
In another roster move, Sam Hentges, 27, returned after being sidelined with a left middle finger swelling since March. Hentges had an impressive record in the minors, going 1-0 with no earned runs allowed, two hits, three walks, and seven strikeouts in 6 2/3 innings over six games (including three starts) split between Columbus and Double-A Akron.
Peter Strzelecki, 29, who appeared in four innings over three games without allowing a run for Cleveland this season, was optioned to Triple-A Columbus as part of the roster adjustments made by the Guardians.
These moves come as the Guardians aim to navigate through Kwan’s absence and bolster their roster for upcoming games.
