The Cleveland Guardians have been one of the best teams in Major League Baseball this season, thanks to a surprising offense. Unfortunately, a key piece will be out for a while as the Guardians are expected to place Steven Kwan on the 10-day injured list with a hamstring injury.
Kyle Manzardo is expected to be called up tomorrow. Steven Kwan will head to the IL, per sources.
— Mandy Bell (@MandyBell02) May 5, 2024
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Although the team is losing one of its best hitters, Cleveland will get a look at one of the best prospects in the sport. Slugging first baseman Kyle Manzardo will be called up to take Kwan’s roster spot before Monday’s game against the Detroit Tigers.
Guardians to Place Steven Kwan on the Injured List and Promote Kyle Manzardo
Kwan To The Injured List
After removing him from Saturday’s game with hamstring tightness, the Guardians sent Kwan for an MRI on Sunday. Though it might not be a significant injury, the 26-year-old dealt with hamstring issues throughout college and the minors. Kwan may head to the injured list as a precautionary move to avoid lingering issues.
No matter the severity of the hamstring injury, losing Kwan will hurt the first-place Guardians. In 32 games, the outfielder leads the league with 47 hits and a .353 average. His OPS+ indicates offensive production that is 63 percent better than the league average.
Kwan sets the tone for Cleveland’s lineup by taking quality at-bats and not striking out. No qualified hitter Whiffs less than him, and only one percent of them Chase less than him. He doesn’t make hard contact but uses the entire field and excels at hitting balls with ideal launch angles.
Manzardo To The Majors
Cleveland acquired Manzardo from the Tampa Bay Rays for Aaron Civale last July. The 23-year-old profiles as a bat-first player with great swing decisions and on-base abilities. His mature approach should allow him to attack pitches he can drive for extra-base. hits.
Kyle Manzardo has been crushing AAA pitching this season and may be getting the call to MLB soon
He has displayed fantastic contact metrics, with plus power. He is a very patient hitter, which will help him draw BB, but be susceptible to called strikes
He has a 149 wRC+ https://t.co/4xjV7q3LHq pic.twitter.com/pd79uD3zSk
— Thomas Nestico (@TJStats) May 5, 2024
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While many were surprised that Manzardo didn’t make the Opening Day roster, it was only a matter of time before the Guardians promoted him. In 128 Triple-A plate appearances this year, Manzardo is hitting .303/.375/.642 with nine home runs and 10 doubles.
Even with a great start from Josh Naylor, Manzardo represents Cleveland’s first baseman of the future. For now, the Guardians will likely rotate Naylor and Manzardo between first and DH to keep both in the lineup. Plus, the Guardians might protect Manzardo by sitting him against tough lefties.
Cleveland has predominately used Estevan Florial at DH this year. However, he will likely see more time in left field with Kwan on the injured list and Manzardo on the roster. Though the speedster’s glove does not compare to Kwan’s, Florial is a serviceable defender that shouldn’t hurt the Guardians.
Main Photo Credits: Adam Cairns / USA TODAY NETWORK
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