The Cleveland Guardians are finally above .500 again.
They have a legitimate chance to close out the year on a high note and make the playoffs.
However, it seems like they’re still not putting themselves in the best situation to win.
At least, that’s how Matt Fontana feels.
In the latest edition of his show, he criticized Stephen Vogt’s refusal to give Kyle Manzardo a longer leash:
“It’s apparent for the Guardians that, I think, they put too much in this righty-lefty matchup stuff, and that’s why you see [David] Fry in there versus Manzardo. I don’t know what Carlos Santana is anymore. I don’t get it. I really don’t,” Fontana said.
Kyle Manzardo is back in the lineup again today. Are the Guards going to start playing him every day finally?
"I think they put too much stock in this righty-lefty matchup stuff."
Presented by @drinkgaragebeer https://t.co/rcXBE6pnoa pic.twitter.com/CRRDpvxPkc
— Matt Fontana Show (@MattFontanaShow) August 2, 2025
Manzardo has been the best hitter at the position among those three players.
Carlos Santana is a proven veteran, and he has a reputation for being the type of hitter who’s usually at his best in the second half of the season.
Then again, he hasn’t been his usual self this year; he’s not getting any younger, and he might not even be here next season, which is why it’s odd to see that they didn’t move him at the trade deadline.
David Fry, on the other hand, is also a well-known offensive force, but he’s coming off a major injury and will most likely need more time before getting his legs back under him.
Manzardo has been solid despite the limited plate appearances, and he’s given the team some much-needed power.
The Guardians have no more margin for error, and even though their schedule for the remainder of the season looks rather easy, we’ve seen how quickly they can get ice-cold at the plate.
There’s just too much at stake, and Manzardo has made a strong case to be out there more often.
NEXT: Analyst Paints Grim Picture For 2 Guardians Pitchers
