NEW YORK -- The Guardians reinstated Steven Kwan from the bereavement/family medical emergency list on Tuesday, and the 28-year-old rejoined Cleveland’s starting lineup for its series opener against the Yankees at Yankee Stadium.
Kwan went on the list Thursday and was away from the Guardians for their three-game weekend series against the Red Sox at Progressive Field. He drew the start on Tuesday in left field and slotted seventh in the starting lineup.
The Guardians optioned Petey Halpin to Triple-A Columbus in a corresponding move to Kwan’s return. Angel Martínez also rejoined the lineup on Tuesday, hitting fifth and playing right field. He exited Cleveland’s 9-1 loss to Boston on Saturday after four innings due to a mild left mid-foot strain, as an MRI later revealed, and did not play Sunday.
“Obviously we're happy to have Kwany back,” manager Stephen Vogt said. “Glad he got to go spend the weekend with his family. Good to have him back in the lineup. Angel came out of his testing just fine, and obviously had two days of really good treatment. They're both ready to rock tonight.”
The Guardians recalled Halpin from Columbus on May 1 as a corresponding move to optioning outfielder George Valera to the Clippers. Halpin logged just 31 plate appearances over 18 games (including six starts), as he was mostly used as a late-game defensive replacement and pinch-runner.
The Guardians want Halpin to get back to receiving consistent at-bats. Their outfield mix still includes five players in Kwan, Martínez, Chase DeLauter, Swiss Army knife Daniel Schneemann and Stuart Fairchild. Cleveland selected Fairchild’s contract from Columbus on Friday. He’s the only strictly right-handed hitter in the group (Martínez is a switch-hitter), an element Vogt made note of.
“Petey was incredible,” Vogt said. “What we asked him to do is nearly impossible, and that's come off the bench, play defense, pinch-hit and start once every week, if that. Petey crushed that role with a great attitude. He was a great teammate and was always ready for his opportunities.”