Cleveland Guardians All-Star and Gold Glove outfielder Steven Kwan didn’t start Friday’s opener against the Blue Jays in Toronto, which was definitely strange coming from an off day. His team went on to win anyway.
Kwan, however, wasn’t on Saturday’s lineup, either, so fans started to get concerned about a potential injury. The rumors turned out to be true, according to team insider Paul Hoynes.
However, the issue doesn’t appear major.
“Steven Kwan has been scratched from Saturday’s lineup because of a stiff neck. Did not start Friday vs. Jays to give his legs a break. Entered Friday’s game in the 9th as a defensive replacement,” Hoynes posted on X.
Steven Kwan has been scratched from Saturday's lineup because of a stiff neck. Did not start Friday vs. Jays to give his legs a break. Entered Friday's game in 9th as def. replacement.
— paul hoynes (@hoynsie) April 25, 2026
If there isn’t structural damage, it’s the type of injury that disappears within a day or two, and the Guardians don’t appear to have any plans to send Kwan for tests. He could return to the lineup soon, but paying attention to additional details from the team or manager Stephen Vogt after Saturday’s game would be a good idea.
Kwan has actually had a rather disappointing start to his season, posting a 76 wRC+ in 112 plate appearances. He has a home run, two stolen bases, ten runs scored, and eight RBI, too, while alternating between left and center field.
A perennial Gold Glove Award winner in left, the Guardians have been using him in center more often this year to get the best out of their lineup. Kwan might not be hitting much these days, but he already has two Outs Above Average (OAA) in the most difficult position of the outfield.
Considering the fact that he boasts a career 111 wRC+, one has to think Kwan will start producing at the plate at some point. He knows what he’s doing in the batter’s box, and the results should come sooner rather than later.
Still, it’s understandable that some fans are concerned with his performance to this point. Cleveland needs the best version of Kwan, setting the table and making things happen at the top of the lineup.
Unless something really surprising happens, he should be back in the lineup in a day or two.
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