Kwan isn't in Cleveland's lineup for Saturday's game against the Astros.
Kwan will get a day to rest Saturday after going 0-for-1 with two walks and a HBP during Friday's series opener. His absence will open a spot in right field for Jhonkensy Noel to start while batting eighth.
Kwan went 2-for-4 with a solo home run and an additional run scored in Wednesday's 5-2 win over the Reds.
Kwan returned from the injured list with a bang, homering in his first at-bat since Sept. 12. The outfielder has hit safely five straight contests, and his 14 long balls exceed his combined total from the previous two seasons by three. On the year, he is hitting .292 with 44 RBI, 83 runs scored and 12 steals across 536 plate appearances and looks healthy as the postseason approaches.
Guardians' Steven Kwan: Activated from injured list
Rotowire
The Guardians activated Kwan (back) from the 10-day injured list Wednesday. He'll bat leadoff and start in left field in the Guardians' series finale with the Reds.
Kwan has been out since mid-September with back inflammation but has been cleared to return to action to knock a little rust off ahead of the postseason. The outfielder has had a rough second half (.588 OPS) but had reached base 11 times over his last four games before going on the IL.
The Guardians placed Kwan on the 10-day injured list Tuesday with mid-back inflammation.
Kwan had missed five consecutive starts due to the back issue, and though the Guardians had initially labeled him as day-to-day, the club ultimately determined that he would require more down time. and now his absence will be even longer than anticipated. Cleveland selected Myles Straw's contract from Triple-A Columbus in a corresponding move to bolster their outfield depth, but Angel Martinez is expected to serve as the primary replacement for Kwan atop the batting order and in left field.
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Guardians' Steven Kwan: Still out with back issue
Rotowire
Kwan (back) remains out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Twins.
Kwan has now missed five starts in a row because of back discomfort. He doesn't have any structural damage and there's been no indication that it's more than a day-to-day injury, but clearly he's not feeling well enough yet to play. Angel Martinez will get another start in left field and will bat leadoff for the Guardians.
Kwan (back) remains out of the lineup for Monday's contest against the Twins.
Kwan will miss out on a fourth straight start due to lingering back soreness. He underwent tests which came back clean, and the Guardians are considering him day-to-day. Angel Martinez will receive another start in left field for Monday's series opener.
