CLEVELAND -- It has been nearly four years since Steven Kwan slotted anywhere other than the leadoff spot in the Guardians’ starting lineup. Amid Kwan’s sluggish start to the season at the plate, manager Stephen Vogt has made a change.
Kwan was moved down to the No. 6 spot in Cleveland's lineup for Saturday’s game against the Reds at Progressive Field. It marks the 28-year-old’s first start not in the No. 1 spot since June 18, 2022, when he slotted eighth.
Daniel Schneemann drew his second start of the season in the leadoff spot.
Kwan has struggled to find a rhythm offensively through the first seven weeks of the season. The two-time All-Star, who has been one of the game's steadiest presences atop the order since his rookie season in 2022. entered Saturday with a .201/.308/.258 slash line through 42 games.
Kwan entered Saturday with an 11.2 percent strikeout rate this season, a stellar figure that ranked in the 96th percentile in the Majors, but is significantly up from 2025 (8.7 percent). His hard-hit rate (10 percent) also has seen a steep decline from ‘25 (19.3 percent).
Kwan’s average exit velocity this season is also down, from 86.2 mph in 2025 to 82.3 mph in ‘26. He has long been an elite hitter with a lower average exit velocity, but that also is a noticeable decline this year.
Among other notable aspects of the lineup, José Ramírez drew his third consecutive start in the No. 2 hole, rather than his customary No. 3 spot.
Here’s how the Guardians’ lineup stacked up Saturday behind starter Joey Cantillo:
Daniel Schneemann, CF
José Ramírez, 3B
Chase DeLauter, DH
Kyle Manzardo, 1B
Travis Bazzana, 2B
Steven Kwan, LF
Angel Martínez, RF
Austin Hedges, C
Brayan Rocchio, SS