Cleveland Guardians’ Steven Kwan, a standout left fielder, has been reinstated from the 10-day injured list to provide a timely boost for the AL Central champions as they approach the end of the regular season with only four games remaining. Kwan had been dealing with a back problem which might have contributed to his struggle with hitting during the second half of the season. This return is expected to strengthen the team as they head into the final stretch of games.

Prior to his injury, Kwan shined in the first half of the season with a remarkable .352 average, leading the majors in batting. However, his performance declined significantly post-All-Star break, hitting just .201 in the subsequent 50 games before his placement on the injured list. Kwan had faced setbacks earlier in the season due to hamstring issues, which had impacted his playing time.

In light of Kwan’s return, Cleveland took the decision to send outfielder Myles Straw to Triple-A Columbus as a corresponding move. Straw had been a key player in the team’s outfield, particularly as the primary center fielder for over two seasons. Nevertheless, he was sent down to the minors at the conclusion of spring training. Despite being recalled recently, Straw had a challenging return, notably getting picked off at first base during his first game back.

The roster adjustment comes as the team prepares to finish a two-game series against Cincinnati, with expectations high for Kwan’s impact on the lineup. Cleveland will be looking to utilize his skills and experience to finish the season on a strong note and carry that momentum into the playoffs. These changes reflect the team’s strategic approach in maximizing player performance as they aim for continued success in the postseason.