Steven Kwan needed just one swing to show he’s playoff ready. Kwan came back from the injured list and hit a home run to start Wednesday night’s game, helping the Cleveland Guardians prepare for the postseason with a 5-2 victory over the Cincinnati Reds.
He was activated from the 10-day injured list earlier that day, giving a nice boost to the AL Central champions, who are trying to catch the New York Yankees for the top spot in the postseason.
In his first at-bat, Kwan hit a 0-1 pitch from Jakob Junis for his 14th homer—an accidental one.
“Just trying to hit a single up the middle, which is really funny,” Kwan said.
Kwan had been out with a back issue that may have caused his hitting slump in the second half of the season. The Gold Glove winner had not played since September 14.
“Unfortunately, Steven had an injury, but our medical staff got him through it as quickly as possible,” manager Stephen Vogt said before the game. “I know Steven is excited to get back out and play with us, and we’re excited to have him.”
Kwan was leading the majors with a .352 average at the All-Star break, but the 27-year-old was hitting just .201 in his last 50 games before going on the IL. He had also dealt with hamstring issues earlier in the season.
“Every hitter goes through spurts where they’re not themselves, but Kwanny was swinging the bat well right before the injury happened,” Vogt said.
The Guardians also announced that pitchers Tanner Bibee and Matthew Boyd would not start again until the ALDS, which begins on October 5. Vogt said both would throw simulated games over the next nine days.
