The Cleveland Guardians have found a true gem, yet it looks like they don’t want to make the most of it.
Kyle Manzardo has been one of the few bright spots on offense all year long, and that’s despite the lack of consistent playing time.
With that in mind, MLB analyst Jensen Lewis put the Guardians on blast.
Talking on the “BIG Play Cleveland Show,” he called out their treatment and misuse of Manzardo:
“You’ve seen instances where Manzardo goes out and has an outstanding night or day, and then all of a sudden he’s on the bench. I’ll never get it. I’ll never understand it. When you’ve got a guy crushing it in front of your eyes, let him go out and play. Support the player 100%. You ask him to put up numbers, you ask him to do big things with runners at scoring position. In instances when those guys have done that have been very perplexing—totally agree that they find themselves riding the pine the very next day,” Lewis said.
Why do the Guardians struggle to play Kyle Manzardo every day?
"I'll never get it. I'll never understand it. I don't care what the laptop gang has to say."
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Manzardo is usually out there against right-handed pitchers, but he’s also split playing time with Daniel Schneemann and David Fry, neither of whom has done a better job than him.
He’s been one of the hottest hitters in all of baseball since the All-Star break, yet he still doesn’t get daily at-bats and the playing time he’s earned.
Of course, that long-standing strategy of not having lefties at DH against a southpaw makes perfect sense, and the data certainly backs it up.
Nevertheless, Manzardo has done more than enough to be the primary designated hitter.
The Guardians don’t have a lot of power in their lineup, and he’s given them a much-needed lift multiple times in recent days.
Carlos Santana has a reputation for being better at this point in the season, but as big a fan favorite and as respected a veteran as he is, he hasn’t been much of a factor this season.
Manzardo could and should take his spot at first base even against lefties.
There’s no room for error, and this team needs to ride the hot hand.
NEXT: Guardians Insider Explains What Went Into Trading Shane Bieber
