Steven Kwan’s journey back to the Cleveland Guardians lineup has been anything but straightforward.
The All-Star outfielder first injured his wrist on May 27 during a stolen base attempt against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Despite the discomfort, Kwan pushed through and continued playing until the issue flared up again during a swing in Houston just before the All-Star break.
After missing three games, Kwan has finally returned to action Monday night against the Baltimore Orioles.
“Steven Kwan back in Guardians’ lineup tonight after missing three games with wrist injury. Received injection following All-Star Game,” insider Tom Withers shared on X.
Steven Kwan back in Guardians' lineup tonight after missing three games with wrist injury.
Received injection following All-Star Game.— Tom Withers (@twithersCLE) July 21, 2025
The decision to give Kwan a cortisone injection came last Wednesday, designed to reduce inflammation and pain.
The timing proved strategic, as it allowed him to participate in the MLB All-Star Game where he delivered a crucial game-tying RBI single in the ninth inning before addressing the lingering wrist problem.
Kwan’s return arrives at a pivotal moment for Cleveland. The Guardians sit at 48-50, trailing the final American League Wild Card spot by just 4.5 games while riding momentum from an 8-2 record over their last ten contests.
His .285/.345/.396 slash line, combined with six home runs, 32 RBIs, and 11 stolen bases across 92 games, represents the type of consistent production Cleveland desperately needs.
While Angel Martinez handled leadoff duties competently and Will Wilson provided solid depth, Kwan brings elite contact skills and defensive reliability in left field that this lineup has missed.
His presence gives the Guardians a key piece back as they continue pushing toward October.
NEXT: Guardians Warned About Trading Key Veteran
