Guardians fans received a positive update on Sunday about injured outfielder Steven Kwan. President of baseball operations Chris Antonetti informed reporters, including Mandy Bell of MLB.com, that the team hopes Kwan can begin a rehab assignment within the next 7-10 days.
The 26-year-old was placed on the 10-day IL earlier this month due to an “acute” hamstring strain and was initially expected to miss around a month.
Now, two weeks after his diagnosis, Kwan appears to be on track to meet that timeline. This is an encouraging update, especially since manager Steven Vogt had indicated on Friday that while Kwan had resumed baseball activities and was running “relatively pain-free,” there was still no clear timetable for his return to the majors. Sunday’s update offers more clarity on the status of the third-year outfielder.
Cleveland is particularly eager for Kwan’s return given his remarkable start to the season. In 145 plate appearances, Kwan has slashed .353/.407/.496 with three home runs, six doubles, and two triples. This home run total is impressive considering Kwan’s career-high homer total is six, achieved over 638 plate appearances during his rookie season. Estevan Florial has been covering left field in Kwan’s absence but is hitting a modest .189/.263/.400 in 32 games this season.
Kwan isn’t the only outfielder progressing in his recovery. Top outfield prospect Chase DeLauter has resumed baseball activities. The club’s first-round pick in the 2022 draft, DeLauter entered the 2024 season as a consensus top-30 prospect but suffered a fractured fifth metatarsal in his left foot earlier this month.
Initially, there were concerns that surgery might be required, as it was when DeLauter previously fractured his foot during the 2022-23 offseason. Fortunately, surgery was not necessary, and DeLauter is making excellent progress. He’s currently hitting on the field, though he hasn’t begun a running progression yet. Before his injury, DeLauter had a tough start at Double-A, slashing .197/.296/.295 in 16 games. However, if he recovers well, he could reach Triple-A before the end of the year, potentially putting him on the big league radar for 2025 or even a September call-up.
Right-hander Gavin Williams is also making progress toward a return. According to MLB.com’s Injury Tracker, Williams threw a 50-pitch bullpen session on Wednesday and was scheduled to throw again on Friday. The 24-year-old has not yet pitched in the majors this season after starting on the 60-day IL due to right elbow discomfort but is making good progress in his rehab and could be an option for Cleveland next month.
Williams’ return would significantly boost the Guardians, who have seen both Logan Allen and Carlos Carrasco struggle in the rotation this year. Williams posted a solid 3.29 ERA with a 4.09 FIP in 16 starts during his rookie season last year.
