Steven Kwan was already crafting the story in his mind Wednesday night at Progressive Field. It wasn't just any regular-season game for the Guardians, but a bullpen showdown that would lay the groundwork for the postseason. In a game that felt scripted, the Guardians' relievers — Andrew Walters, Erik Sabrowski, Cade Smith, and Eli Morgan — kicked things off with 18 straight outs against the Cincinnati Reds. Every inning was seamless, every pitch hitting its mark, and it seemed like the night would end in perfection.
"This bullpen is ridiculous," Kwan shared, unable to hide his excitement. "It felt like the story was just writing itself. By the sixth inning, you could already see the headline. They’ve been doing this all year, and we’ve really come to rely on them. What they pulled off against the Reds? We needed every single one of them, and it was incredible."
But the dream of a perfect game crumbled in the seventh inning when Reds center fielder TJ Friedl reached base with a bunt hit off Tim Herrin. Friedl would later score, aided by two costly errors, and the Reds added another run in the eighth off Hunter Gaddis, again due to an error. Yet, this hiccup in defense didn’t erase the brilliance of the bullpen’s performance.
In total, the Guardians’ bullpen used seven different relievers. Across nine innings, they allowed two runs (only one earned), struck out eight batters, walked just two, and surrendered six hits. It was a masterclass in relief pitching, despite the minor setbacks.
The excitement peaked when Emmanuel Clase took the mound in the ninth inning. The Guardians had a 5-2 lead, and the pressure was on. Clase faced a bases-loaded situation, the kind of moment that can unravel even the best closers. But not Clase. He shut the door, earning his 47th save of the season and setting a new single-season save record for Cleveland. The previous record was held by José Mesa, who notched 46 saves back in 1995. Watching Clase break the record was one of those moments that adds a spark to a season already full of highs.
Of course, it wasn’t just the bullpen or Clase making waves that night. Kwan himself played a pivotal role in securing the win, and his impact went far beyond his admiration for the bullpen's performance. Just before the game, the Guardians activated Kwan, their All-Star left fielder, from the injured list. He returned to his usual spot in left field and led off at the top of the lineup. From his very first at-bat, Kwan made his presence felt. He took the second pitch from Cincinnati starter Jakob Junis and sent it flying into the right field stands for his 14th home run of the season, giving Cleveland an early 1-0 lead. Talk about making a comeback in style!
Reflecting on that moment, Kwan admitted, “It felt really good. Honestly, I was just trying to stick to a plan. I was aiming for a single up the middle, which is funny... Barrels always feel good.”
But Kwan wasn’t done. In the eighth inning, with the score tied 2-2, he sparked a two-out rally by singling to get on base. Rookie Kyle Manzardo followed suit with a single of his own, setting the stage for José Ramírez to steal the show. Ramírez, ever the clutch performer, launched a massive 417-foot homer into the right field seats, giving the Guardians a 5-2 lead that would hold until the final out.
Kwan’s contributions to the win were undeniable, and it was clear how much he relished being back on the field. “It’s always tough watching from the sidelines,” he said. “The guys really don’t need me out there; they’ve been winning their games and doing their thing. But it’s nice to be out there helping toward a win.”
The Guardians managed a 7-3 record while Kwan was sidelined, with Angel Martinez filling in admirably in left field and the leadoff spot. But Kwan's return added an extra layer of confidence to the team as they wrapped up their regular season and looked ahead to the playoffs.
This wasn’t Kwan’s first injury setback this season. Back in May, he missed most of the month due to a strained left hamstring. His most recent stint on the injured list began on Sept. 14, after he suffered a mid-back injury diving back to a base to avoid a pickoff throw. But each time, Kwan has bounced back in spectacular fashion. In fact, after returning from the IL in May, he went on a tear, batting .351 (52-for-148) with eight doubles, six homers, 16 RBI, and 27 runs in 32 games leading up to the All-Star break. For a player like Kwan, setbacks don’t seem to slow him down for long.
Guardians manager Stephen Vogt echoed that sentiment, especially after Kwan's homer in his first at-bat back. When asked how he felt seeing Kwan open the game with a home run, Vogt smiled and said, “It was, ‘Of course, he did.’ I’ve never been worried about Kwanie. Every hitter goes through ups and downs, but the work he puts in to stay ready — both times he’s been on the injured list, he’s worked incredibly hard.”
Kwan’s performance at the plate may have dipped in the second half of the season, but his contributions remain invaluable. He was hitting .352 (99-for-281) with nine homers and 27 RBI at the All-Star break. Since then, his average has dropped to .207 (41-for-198), but he’s still managed to add five more homers and 17 RBI. Even with his struggles, Kwan’s overall stats for the season remain impressive, batting .292 with 14 home runs and 44 RBI.
Now, with just three games left in the regular season, the Guardians are gearing up for the postseason, with the best-of-five American League Division Series set to begin on Oct. 5. Kwan’s return to the lineup couldn’t have come at a better time. His blend of energy, consistency, and clutch hitting will be crucial as the Guardians aim for a deep playoff run.
To wrap it up, that night at Progressive Field wasn’t just about another win or a bullpen showcase. It was a testament to resilience — from Kwan’s triumphant return, to Clase’s record-breaking save, to the bullpen’s remarkable efficiency. With postseason aspirations in the air, the Guardians are primed to make some serious noise in October. Kwan’s back, and if that Wednesday night was any indication, he’s ready to write the next chapter of this unforgettable season.
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