Update on Cleveland Guardians’ Injury Status: Kwan, Williams, and Karinchak Progressing in Recovery

Cleveland Guardians’ Gold Glove left fielder Steven Kwan took a positive step toward his return to the field on Friday by participating in batting practice for the first time since sustaining a left hamstring injury during a game on May 4.

Kwan, who landed on the 10-day injured list after an MRI revealed an acute strain, was initially expected to be out for about four weeks. Manager Stephen Vogt refrained from altering that projection despite Kwan’s batting practice session on Friday.

“He’s progressing well,” Vogt commented. “We still don’t have a timetable, but the fact that he’s already back to baseball activity is a good sign.”

According to Vogt, Kwan is feeling good and has been running with relatively minimal discomfort.

“He’s on a good track,” Vogt added. “They’ve got a progression that’s mapped out. Obviously, that’ll get him ready to go play and then we’ll know more from there.”

Meanwhile, right-hander Gavin Williams continued his recovery process by throwing a bullpen session at Progressive Field on Friday, following a 50-pitch session earlier in the week in Texas.

“He’s building up, progressing really well, and feeling good,” Vogt noted.

Additionally, reliever James Karinchak, who has been sidelined with a shoulder strain since early spring training, returned to Arizona to resume his throwing program. Vogt mentioned that Karinchak visited Cleveland during the Guardians’ last homestand to begin ramping up his activity before heading back to continue his rehabilitation at the club’s training complex in Goodyear.

“He’s feeling strong, looking good,” Vogt stated.