Cleveland Guardians manager Stephen Vogt was ready to send All-Star outfielder Steven Kwan to the field on Friday night against the Tampa Bay Rays, just as he does virtually every game.
The leadoff hitter, however, was scratched from the lineup.
Before fans have a heart attack, the reasons behind the decision will probably help keep them sane.
“Kwan was scratched for precautionary reasons with body fatigue, per the team,” Guardians insider Mandy Bell posted on X.
Kwan was scratched for precautionary reasons with body fatigue, per the team. https://t.co/cLhMBwX9d7
— Mandy Bell (@MandyBell02) September 13, 2024
There is no apparent injury other than general body fatigue, probably associated with playing almost every game.
If there is a moment of the season in which Kwan can get a day off, it’s probably this one for a variety of reasons.
First of all, this is a busy part of the schedule and he has been playing a lot.
His body deserves a break.
Second, he can also use a mental break: his performance has tanked after the break after a brilliant first half.
Kwan is slashing a meager .201/.305/.284 with a .588 OPS since the All-Star break, and that’s not going to cut it.
Considering he was at .352/.407/.512 with a .920 OPS in the first half, the guy could use a day off.
He is obviously much better than a .588 OPS hitter, but he was also playing a bit over his head in the first half.
As long as he goes back to dominating the strike zone, getting on base, hitting the occasional homer, and stealing a base here or there, he will be an asset for the Guardians.
For now, the priority is giving some rest to his body.
NEXT: Guardians Will Have Tough Decisions To Make Ahead Of Rule 5 Draft
