The Cleveland Guardians will look to end a four-game spring training losing streak when they take the field against the Chicago White Sox. More important than the result, however, is the ability to look at another new lineup configuration.
Against Chicago, the Guardians will again combine familiar veteran players with others who may be fighting to make the team. It’s an interesting mix with several positions worth noting.
The Guardians have announced their starting lineup for Saturday’s game, and it includes Steven Kwan playing center field for the second time.
1. Steven Kwan CF
2. George Valera LF
3. Jose Ramirez 3B
4. Kyle Manzardo 1B
5. Austin Hedges C
6. Nolan Jones RF
7. Juan Brito 2B
8. Cameron Barstad DH
9. Angel Genao SS
Tanner Bibee SP
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— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) February 28, 2026
The top six players are virtually guaranteed a spot on the Opening Day roster and could be in those exact positions in the lineup throughout the year. It is filled out by the notable middle infield combination of Brito and Genoa, two of the organization’s better prospects who seem destined for the minor leagues in 2026.
Also notable is Barstad serving as the DH. The catcher has just three at-bats this spring after playing last season in Double-A.
Bibee will work toward cementing his spot in the rotation in his second spring start. He threw two scoreless innings with one hit allowed in his debut.
Kwan made his center field debut this week in a game against the Texas Rangers. He played five innings there without incident as the Guardians experiment with moving the Gold Glove left fielder to a new position.
Doing so will allow young players like Valera and Chase DeLauter to man the less-demanding corner outfield spots while adjusting to their first full major league seasons. Manager Stephen Vogt has said he will use multiple outfield combinations to determine the best alignment for both the offense and defense.
The Guardians got off to a good start with four straight wins to open the spring schedule. However, they have since lost every game, allowing 38 runs in the process.
It would be nice to get back to their winning ways while also learning something important that they can carry with them into the season.
NEXT: Stephen Vogt Raves About Rhys Hoskins' Spring Debut
