The Cleveland Guardians have announced that their left winger, Steven Kwan, has been benched due to inflammation in his middle back. Injuries may explain Kwan’s career decline in the second half of the season. In response, the Rangers recalled outfielder Myles Straw from Triple-A Columbus and assigned pitcher Carlos Carrasco a different role.
Steven Kwan’s Injury-Related Performance Decline
Steven Kwan’s injury limited him to five games, a change that began on September 14. Team manager Stephen Vogt initially said Kwan’s status was “day-to-day.” However, another test turned up the disease just before the start of their game against Minnesota.
Kwan’s performance dropped significantly following the All-Star break. Despite leading MLB with a .352 average at the start of the season, his second-half average dropped to .201. This setback coincided with a hamstring injury that kept him on the bench for most of May.
The Return of Myles Straw: The Possible Raising of Guardians
Myles Straw, previously designated for assignment at the end of spring training, is back with the caretakers. He served as a regular player in Cleveland’s center for more than two seasons, until he won the Glove in 2022. However, Straw’s consistent batting has been a concern. Last season, he hit .238 with one home run, 29 RBIs, and 20 steals. Despite these statistics, the scouts are hoping for improved performance from the 29-year-old returner, who was acquired from Houston in 2021.
The future of Carlos Carrasco and the Guardians
Carlos Carrasco, now in his second stint with the Guardians after returning to them as a free agent in February, faces an uncertain future. The 37-year-old was a popular figure at the club, making 263 appearances in 12 seasons with the Guardians. Carrasco’s accomplishments include leading the AL with 18 wins in 2017. However, a strained left hip put him on the injured list on August 8. As Carrasco awaits his next assignment, his legacy with the Cleveland Guardian remains unshakable.
