Guardians Place All-Star Outfielder On IL, Promote Former Gold Glove Winner

The Cleveland Guardians put Steven Kwan on the injured list, called up Myles Straw, and DFA'd Carlos Carrasco.

Apr 24, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians center fielder Myles Straw (7) catches a ball hit by Colorado Rockies second baseman Alan Trejo (not pictured) during the fourth inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images / Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

The Cleveland Guardians made a couple of surprising roster moves on Tuesday ahead of their matchup with the Minnesota Twins.

Steven Kwan Placed On Injured List

Steven Kwan was scratched from Friday night's lineup with back soreness. At first, it looked like the All-Star outfielder would avoid a trip to the injured list, but the team placed him on the 15-day IL on Tuesday evening (retroactive to September 13).

Stephen Vogt said prior to Tuesday's game that they were still considering Kwan day-to-day, and the outfielder was also taking part in some pre-game workouts. Unfortunately, it looked like the outcome of some of those workouts was that Kwan was still dealing with the injury, making a trip to the IL neccesary.

There are still two weeks left of the regular season before the playoffs, which makes this the perfect time to get Kwan healthy. There's no need to play through an injury as Cleveland closes in on clinching a playoff berth.

Sep 3, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Cleveland Guardians left fielder Steven Kwan (38) throws the ball in against the Kansas City Royals during warm ups prior to a game at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images / Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Myles Straw Called Up

Vogt hinted on Saturday that the team had conversations about bringing Myles Straw back to the big league roster. Those discussions came to fruition on Tuesday when the team officially called up the 2022 Gold Glove winner after he was placed on waivers before the season began.

Straw was Cleveland's everyday center fielder during his last stint with the team. That won't be his role this time around, but he could still be a solid option for the Guardians as a defensive replacement or pinch-runner late in games.

We have made the following moves today.#ForTheLand pic.twitter.com/u7dvKj8DSq

— GuardsInsider (@GuardsInsider) September 17, 2024

Carlos Carrasco Designated For Assignment

Unfortunately, all of these roster moves have downsides as well. The Guardians DFA'd veteran pitcher Carlos Carrasco to make room on the major league roster.

Carrasco has spent the entire season with the big league team in what is likely one of his last professional seasons. Everyone knows how great of a teammate and leader Cookie is, and it's disappointing to see him let go right before the playoffs.

However, that the reality of the game sometimes.