During the Cleveland Guardians’ victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers, Stephen Kwan had to leave the game early due to a wrist injury, raising doubts about his availability for the upcoming matchup against the Los Angeles Angels.
Is Stephen Kwan injured?
Stephen Kwan has been a standout player in an otherwise challenging season for the Cleveland Guardians, particularly in the outfield. His early exit from the recent series against the Dodgers caused concern among fans and the team alike. Reports indicate Kwan withdrew because of inflammation in his right wrist, an issue that developed after he ignored pain signals before the game. At 27 years old, Kwan has been performing exceptionally well in 2025, boasting a batting average of .311, an on-base percentage of .371, and a slugging percentage of .425, with an OPS of .796, highlighting his value to the team. Currently, he ranks as the second-best hitter on the Guardians’ roster, just behind Jose Ramirez. Although the Guardians won the final game against the Dodgers, they lost the series 2-1. This leaves Cleveland in fourth place in the American League with a record of 30-25, tied with the Minnesota Twins and Houston Astros.
Will Stephen Kwan play in the Guardians vs. Angels series?
Following their series with the Dodgers, the Guardians are set to face the Los Angeles Angels in a three-game series. Guardians manager Stephen Vogt has provided an encouraging update about Kwan’s injury, which should reassure fans. Vogt explained, “He was experiencing some wrist discomfort, so we didn’t want to take any risks. The pain occurred while swinging, and he has 48 hours before the next game.” He added, “Removing him from the game was the right call, but he should be ready to play on Friday.” This suggests Kwan is expected to return for the Guardians’ game against the Angels, a significant boost for Cleveland as the season progresses.
The Angels, currently struggling with a five-game losing streak including defeats by the Miami Marlins and New York Yankees, have fallen to 12th place in the American League with a 25-30 record. Their last meeting with the Guardians was from April 4-6, where the Angels took the series 2-1 at Angel Stadium. The Angels might also face injury challenges, as star player Mike Trout is still recovering and might not return in time for this series.
Fan Take: Stephen Kwan’s potential return is crucial for the Guardians, as his consistent performance could provide the momentum they need in a tightly contested season. For baseball fans, this highlights how injuries and player health can dramatically influence team dynamics and the excitement of the sport.
