The Cleveland Guardians have made a surprising decision on outfielder Steven Kwan.
The Guardians are set to take on the Cincinnati Reds on Saturday evening, and Cleveland revealed its lineup. The Guardians have Kwan batting sixth and playing left field, which is the first time since June 18, 2022, that the contact hitter isn’t leading off.
“Steven Kwan is batting 6th tonight. It’s his first start in a spot other than leadoff since June 18, 2022. Daniel Schneemann is batting first,” Guardians reporter Zack Meisel wrote on X.
The Guardians lineup for Saturday’s home game against the Reds is as follows:
- D. Schneemann CF
- J. Ramírez 3B
- C. DeLauter DH
- K. Manzardo 1B
- T. Bazzana 2B
- S. Kwan LF
- A. Martínez RF
- A. Hedges C
- B. Rocchio SS
Kwan is hitting .201 with 1 home run and 10 RBIs in 159 at-bats this season, as he’s been struggling. In his last 7 games, he’s hitting .154, while in his last 30, he’s hitting .184, and now Cleveland has demoted him in the lineup.
Guardians Confident Kwan Will Get Out of Slump
Although Cleveland opted to drop Kwan in the lineup, the Guardians remain confident he can get out of his slump.
The contact-first-outfielder has struggled at the plate this season, but Tony Arnerich, the Guardians’ bench coach, believes Kwan will figure it out.
“Kwan’s been a really good player for a good amount of time,” Arnerich said. “We don’t doubt that he’s going to come out of it. He’s working, he’s doing the right things. He’s having good at-bats. You have to trust guys.”
Kwan, meanwhile, said he’s trying not to get too low or high in baseball, which has helped him in the slump.
“This is the time now to really believe in ‘No highs, no lows, stay right in the middle,’” he said. “Before, I’ve had the comfort of having some good numbers and then when a dry spell happens, ‘OK, well I still have these numbers to fall back on.’ Obviously, I don’t have that luxury this time, but I just have to frame it as a good, new challenge.”
Kwan is a two-time All-Star.
Fans React to Kwan News
Cleveland opted to demote Kwan in the lineup, and fans weren’t too surprised by the decision.
Although Kwan has led off in every game he’s played in since June of 2022, fans felt like it was a necessary move.
“Better, but Kwan should be hitting 9th or not even in the lineup,” a fan wrote.
“I appreciate the effort, but Kwan is still too high. Anything higher than 7th is silly,” a fan added.
“The next step is to move Kwan completely out of the lineup. He is killing us at the plate. He’s not worth the money They’re paying him now and they certainly are not gonna sign him to a long-term contract. Move him now,” a fan added.
Kwan’s struggles at the plate have been a concern, but Guardians fans are excited that the team has made a move to demote him in the lineup.
“I love you Kwan you’re a great player but he needs a game or 2 outside of lead off to get his head right,” a fan wrote.
“Wow they actually did it! Would’ve preferred Angel leadoff but I’ll take it,” a fan added.
“Well they finally moved Kwan down and loaded the top 5 or 6. I really hope this works,” a fan wrote.
Kwan is a four-time Gold Glove Award winner.
Guardians Make Stunning Steven Kwan Decision Before Reds Game