Stephen Kwan had to leave early during the Cleveland Guardians’ win over the Los Angeles Dodgers due to a wrist injury, raising concerns about his availability for the upcoming series against the Los Angeles Angels. Despite the tough season for the Guardians, especially in the outfield, Kwan has been a standout player. He was sidelined because of an “inflammatory right wrist” after ignoring pain signals during the game.
At 27, Kwan has been impressive in the 2025 season, posting a batting line of .311/.371/.425 with a .796 OPS, making him a key player for Cleveland. He ranks as the second-best hitter on the Guardians, just behind Jose Ramirez. Although the Guardians won their last game against the Dodgers, they lost the series 2-1, placing them fourth in the American League with a 30-25 record, tied with the Minnesota Twins and Houston Astros.
Looking ahead, Kwan’s status for the Guardians’ three-game series against the Angels is uncertain. Cleveland manager Stephen Vogt provided an optimistic update, explaining that Kwan experienced wrist discomfort during his swing, leading to a precautionary removal from the game. Vogt expects Kwan to be ready for Friday’s matchup, which would provide a significant boost for the Guardians.
The Angels, meanwhile, are struggling, having lost five straight games—two to the Miami Marlins and three to the New York Yankees. Their difficulties have dropped them to 12th place in the American League with a 25-30 record. The last time these teams met in early April, the Angels won the series 2-1 in Anaheim. Although star player Mike Trout is recovering from injuries, his return may not come soon enough to impact this upcoming series.
Fan Take: Stephen Kwan’s injury status is crucial for the Guardians as he’s one of their most consistent hitters and a key piece in their lineup. His potential return against a struggling Angels team could be a turning point in the season, keeping fans excited and invested in the American League’s playoff race.
