TORONTO -- Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan was a late scratch from Saturday’s lineup against the Blue Jays due to neck stiffness, marking the second straight game he was out of Cleveland's starting nine.
Kwan was set to hit leadoff and play center field. Manager Stephen Vogt announced the scratch during his pregame media session, noting Kwan woke up stiff.
Kwan was out of the Guardians’ starting lineup for Friday’s 8-6 win over the Blue Jays. Vogt noted it was planned as the club looked to get Kwan at least one day off his feet in Toronto, given the turf playing surface at Rogers Centre. It also gave him back-to-back days off following Cleveland’s off-day on Thursday.
Kwan ultimately entered the game in center field for the bottom of the ninth inning. Vogt said Saturday’s news was independent of Friday’s decision.
“That was an off-day yesterday,” Vogt said Saturday afternoon. “Obviously, we put him in the game late and he was fine. Neck stiffness. It's a caution with the turf, everything else.”
Kwan was set to hit leadoff and play center field. Manager Stephen Vogt announced the scratch during his pregame media session, noting Kwan woke up with the issue.
Angel Martínez (who was initially set to hit fifth and start in left field) moved over to center and the leadoff spot in the Guardians’ updated lineup, while George Valera drew the start in left in the No. 5 spot. Valera was not in the initial lineup.