All-Star OF Steven Kwan homers in first at-bat in return from IL as Guardians down Reds 5-2 win
Cleveland Guardians' Steven Kwan celebrates after scoring on a single by Josh Naylor during the first inning of a baseball game against the Chicago White Sox, Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/Erin Hooley]
CLEVELAND (AP) — Steven Kwan needed just one swing to show he’s playoff ready. Kwan returned from the injured list and homered leading off Wednesday night’s game as the Cleveland Guardians continued to tune up for the postseason with a 5-2 win over the Cincinnati Reds. Kwan had been out with a back issue and his return provided a nice boost for the AL Central champions, who are trying to catch the New York Yankees for the top seed in the postseason. With Kwan returning, Cleveland optioned outfielder Myles Straw to Triple-A Columbus. Kwan led the majors with a .352 average at the All-Star break. But the 27-year-old was hitting just .201 in 50 games before being placed on the IL.
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Cleveland Guardians' Steven Kwan is safe at first base on a pick off attempt in the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2024, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS/Sue Ogrocki
Cleveland Guardians' Steven Kwan celebrates his home run as he runs the bases in the first inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds in Cleveland, Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS/Sue Ogrocki