Guardians All-Star left fielder Steven Kwan will have tests on his back after being scratched from Friday night’s game against Tampa Bay.
Kwan was originally listed in Cleveland’s lineup, set to bat in his usual leadoff position. However, about two hours before the game began, the Guardians announced that Kwan would not be playing due to what they first described as “body fatigue.”
After the Guardians lost 3-1 to the Rays, manager Stephen Vogt said that Kwan was experiencing “back soreness” and would be tested. It’s unclear if these tests have already been done or if they will happen on Saturday.
Earlier this season, Kwan missed four weeks because of a hamstring strain. The 27-year-old has had hamstring issues dating back to his time at Oregon State.
In just three seasons, Kwan has become one of the AL’s top leadoff hitters. He came close to hitting .400 in the first two months of the season and was leading MLB in batting average (.352) at the All-Star break.
However, he has been in a long slump during the second half of the season, batting .291 with a 6-for-39 slide.
Kwan, a two-time Gold Glove winner, has also been strong defensively. He made his ninth assist in Thursday’s game.
Rookie Daniel Schneemann took Kwan’s place on Friday and went 0 for 3 with two strikeouts.
