• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Cleveland Daily

Cleveland Sports News, Rumors & Highlights

  • Home
  • Guardians News
  • Cavs News
  • Browns News
  • Newsletter
  • Contact
  • About

2 Guardians Players Who Need To Get Going Versus Reds

By Spencer Richardson May 19, 2022

Manager Terry Francona #77 of the Cleveland Guardians watches from the dugout during the first inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Progressive Field on May 19, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio.
(Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)

 

We are officially 34 games into the season, and the Cleveland Guardians sit in third place in the AL Central, half a game behind the White Sox and a full four behind Minnesota.

The squad had a chance to make up ground against both sides last week, but largely failed to do so.

Then we turned to what should have been a breezy stint against the Cincinnati Reds and Detroit Tigers.

Except the Guardians dropped Game One to the Reds, in disappointing fashion.

Hey, we did say at the start of the season that Cleveland couldn’t beat up on bad teams and struggle against the good ones.

But this…was not what we meant.

Nonetheless, the team has another chance to make up ground against the Reds, finishing up a two-game series before hosting Detroit.

Here are two players who need to get it going against Cincinnati:

 

1. Steven Kwan

Spoiler alert: both the players who will appear on this list need to get their offense going.

The first is a slightly curious nomination in Steven Kwan, who looked all the part of a rising star at the start of the season.

But lately, Kwan’s been less than stellar.

Back in April, he was hitting a white-hot .354.

Impossible not to root for Steven Kwan https://t.co/la3MTJ4Lm7

— Becks (@BecksWelker) May 17, 2022

And the team was generally excellent when Kwan recorded a hit, going 7-3 in such games.

But since Cleveland’s loss to the Oakland A’s on April 30th, Kwan’s average has steadily declined.

So far in May, Kwan is slashing a pedestrian .192/.269/.545.

Each of those, in addition to being an eyesore, is not anywhere near the standard Kwan set for himself to start the season.

And before you argue it hasn’t been another full month of action yet–the sample size is almost the exact same between April and May (15 games vs 13).

To be fair, the Guardians have largely fared the same record-wise in May as they did in April.

But how many games in May could have gone another way had Kwan notched a hit when needed?

A tight 5-4 loss to the Padres, where Kwan recorded one hit?

What about a 3-1 contest against the Twins, where Kwan went hitless?

Ditto for a 5-4 extra innings loss to the Reds earlier in the week?

Not saying Kwan would have definitely been a difference maker, but the team is a measly 1-8 on the season when Kwan doesn’t record a hit.

Is Kwan a .354 hitter?

Probably not.

But is a .195 hitter?

Also not likely.

What we’ve seen so far are likely just two ends of Kwan’s extremes.

If the Guardians plan on extending their season beyond early October, they will certainly need Steven Kwan to find his earlier form.

Or, at the very least, a form between where he was and where he is currently.

 

2. Austin Hedges

Austin Hedges is an excellent catcher.

So far this season, he’s caught five batters stealing and not given up a single passed ball.

And, to be fair, aside from Shane Bieber, it’s not like Hedges is catching an All-Star pitching rotation.

With @myles_straw's aunt and uncle watching in the stands, Austin Hedges adds some extra excitement to Straw's postgame chat with @DreKnott. 🚿#ForTheLand pic.twitter.com/pEEhHemGA1

— Bally Sports Cleveland (@BallySportsCLE) May 15, 2022

That said, while Hedges is an excellent contributor behind the dish, he’s left a lot to be desired at the plate.

In fairness, his May (.200) has been significantly better than April (.140).

In fact, Hedges went hitless through his first seven games this season (19 at-bats).

But the Guardians could use even more production from Hedges.

If Hedges can keep that batting average at or around .215, then he should provide just enough of an extra spark at the end of the lineup to keep opposing pitchers honest.

Manager Terry Francona, however, doesn’t seem too concerned about the batting numbers:

“Any offense is welcomed by anybody … and he knows that. I’d rather have him struggle hitting rather than catching. Again offense is welcomed, but if he hits and doesn’t catch we’re not in a good spot.”

Regardless, a strong showing against Cincinnati’s generally poor pitching could give Hedges some confidence going forward.

    Get ALL the latest Cleveland sports news straight to your inbox! Subscribe to the Cleveland daily newsletter here!    

Filed Under: Cleveland Guardians Rumors And News (Updated Daily) Tagged With: cleveland guardians

Reader Interactions

Follow Cleveland Daily!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More Cleveland Guardians News

Military aircraft fly over Progressive Field during the national anthem prior to the home opener of the Cleveland Guardians against the San Francisco Giants on April 15, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. All players are wearing the number 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day. The Giants defeated the Guardians 4-1.

Top Guardians Prospect Falls In Latest Rankings

7 months ago

Andres Gimenez #0 of the Cleveland Guardians (center) is congratulated by teammates after he hit a grand slam home run against the Oakland Athletics in the top of the third inning at RingCentral Coliseum on April 29, 2022 in Oakland, California

What To Watch For As The Guardians Face Tough Schedule Stretch

7 months ago

baseball on field

Does The MLB Owe The Guardians An Apology?

7 months ago

Manager Terry Francona #77 of the Cleveland Guardians watches from the dugout during the first inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Progressive Field on May 19, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio.

Guardians Rated Highly In Latest Power Rankings By MLB Insiders

7 months ago

Emmanuel Clase #48 and Josh Naylor #22 of the Cleveland Guardians celebrate after the final out of their MLB game victory over the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on August 14, 2022 in Toronto, Canada.

What’s Behind The Guardians’ Recent Winning Streak?

7 months ago

Andres Gimenez #0 of the Cleveland Guardians (center) is congratulated by teammates after he hit a grand slam home run against the Oakland Athletics in the top of the third inning at RingCentral Coliseum on April 29, 2022 in Oakland, California

Report: Guardians Unlikely To Be Big Spenders This Winter

7 months ago

Austin Hedges #17 celebrates with teammate Steven Kwan #38 of the Cleveland Guardians after beating the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on July 27, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts.

3 Surprising Guardians Stats With 50 Games Left

7 months ago

Luke Maile #12 of the Cleveland Guardians celebrates with teammates after hitting a walk-off sacrifice fly to defeat the Oakland Athletics at Progressive Field on June 10, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Guardians defeated the Athletics 3-2.

MLB Insider "Sells" Deep Guardians Playoff Run

7 months ago

Military aircraft fly over Progressive Field during the national anthem prior to the home opener of the Cleveland Guardians against the San Francisco Giants on April 15, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. All players are wearing the number 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day. The Giants defeated the Guardians 4-1.

Fans React To Guardians Moving To First In The Division

7 months ago

Franmil Reyes #32 of the Cleveland Guardians singles off Lucas Giolito of the Chicago White Sox in the seventh inning at Progressive Field on July 13, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. The White Sox defeated the Guardians 2-1.

What's Next After Franmil Reyes DFA?

7 months ago

Shane Bieber #57 of the Cleveland Guardians pitches against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the first inning at Progressive Field on August 03, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio.

Could Shane Bieber Be On The Move This Winter?

8 months ago

Outfielders Alex Call #65 Myles Straw #7 and Nolan Jones #33 of the Cleveland Guardians run in after the Guardians defeated the Detroit Tigers at Progressive Field on July 16, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Guardians defeated the Tigers 10-0.

Solving The Guardians' Logjam At Right Field

8 months ago

baseball on field

Report: Guardians Pursuit Of Deadline Target Fell Apart Over Prospects

8 months ago

Military aircraft fly over Progressive Field during the national anthem prior to the home opener of the Cleveland Guardians against the San Francisco Giants on April 15, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. All players are wearing the number 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day. The Giants defeated the Guardians 4-1.

What Is The Guardians Outlook After A Quiet Trade Deadline?

8 months ago

Juan Soto #22 of the Washington Nationals looks on during the first inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on July 06, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Is Daniel Espino Too High A Price For Juan Soto?

8 months ago

Alex Call #65 of the Cleveland Guardians celebrates with teammates after scoring in the second inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on July 31, 2022 in St Petersburg, Florida.

Fans React To Guardians Win Versus Rays

8 months ago

Josh Naylor #22 of the Cleveland Guardians flips his bat after hitting a RBI single in the ninth inning against the Chicago White Sox during game one of a doubleheader at Guaranteed Rate Field on July 23, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois.

How Josh Naylor’s Injury Affects Guardians’ Trade Deadline Plans

8 months ago

Sean Murphy #12 of the Oakland Athletics bats against the Houston Astros at RingCentral Coliseum on July 10, 2022 in Oakland, California.

Report: Oakland's Sean Murphy A Guardians "Top Target"

8 months ago

Austin Hedges #17 celebrates with teammate Steven Kwan #38 of the Cleveland Guardians after beating the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on July 27, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts.

What To Watch For In Guardians Series Versus Rays

8 months ago

Starting pitcher Shane Bieber #57 of the Cleveland Guardians throws against the Colorado Rockies in the first inning at Coors Field on June 14, 2022 in Denver, Colorado.

What Is Shane Bieber's Value?

8 months ago

Pitcher Logan Allen #54 of the Cleveland Indians throws in the bullpen during summer workouts at Progressive Field on July 06, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio.

2 Bullpen Targets For Guardians At Trade Deadline

8 months ago

Willson Contreras #40 of the Chicago Cubs smiles during the 92nd MLB All-Star Game presented by Mastercard at Dodger Stadium on July 19, 2022 in Los Angeles, California.

Guardians Among "Most Likely" Trade Destinations For Cubs' Contreras

8 months ago

Shane Bieber #57 of the Cleveland Guardians pitches against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on July 06, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan.

What Is Shane Bieber's Future In Cleveland?

8 months ago

Tim Anderson #7 of the Chicago White Sox slides home to score in the fifth inning against Luke Maile #12 of the Cleveland Guardians during game two of a double header at Guaranteed Rate Field on July 23, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois.

Fans React To Guardians Doubleheader Versus White Sox

8 months ago

Primary Sidebar

Search Cleveland Daily

Follow Cleveland Daily!

Footer

Privacy Policy

Terms And Conditions

Contact Us

Copyright © 2023 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED - ClevelandDaily.com is not affiliated with the Cleveland Indians or Major League Baseball.