CLEVELAND, Ohio — Five things to think about as the Guardians open a three-game series against the Red Sox on Friday night in their longest homestand of the season.
- Closer Emmanuel Clase: Is Clase’s sore right shoulder serious enough to put him on the injured list? It was certainly alarming enough to keep him sidelined for all three of the games against the Yankees, who hit him hard during the American League Championship Series last year. The sooner the Guardians get clarity on Clase and the closer’s role, the better they’ll be.
- Left fielder Steven Kwan: He brings a lot to the table, including a strong throwing arm. His relay throw to shortstop Brayan Rocchio helped erase Cody Bellinger at the plate in the sixth inning Wednesday against the Yankees. It was his fourth assist, tying him for the MLB lead.
- AL Central: The Tigers and Guards are the top two teams in the Central. The Tigers just finished taking two out of three from the NL West leading Padres, while the Guards took two out of three from the AL East leading Yankees.
- Stolen base: The Guardians finished second in steals last year in the AL. Through 24 games this year, they rank ninth with 18. They’re top two thieves are Jose Ramirez and Kwan with four each. Last year Andres Gimenez (30) and Tyler Freeman (11) were two of their top basestealers, but they were traded.
- Jhonkensy Noel: Whatever happened to Big Christmas? The trade for Nolan Jones changed the dynamic of right field for the Guardians. Will Brennan was optioned and Noel has been limited to facing mostly left-handers only. He’s started only three games in right field since April 11. So far the production out of right field has been nil — Jones is hitting .179 (10 for 56) with two RBI, while Noel is hitting .167 (7 for 42) with four RBI. Noel’s biggest selling point is his power, but you can’t generate that from the bench.
Breakfast and trivia
What did ballplayers eat for breakfast in 1901 when Cleveland and Boston became charter members of the American League? The players’ breakfast was probably simple, incuding porridge, bread and butter, potatoes and perhaps a steak. Cleveland and Boston will play for the 2,059th time Friday night at Progressive Field. That’s almost 13, 162-game seasons of playing only each other.
While you consider that number, try this question on for size. How many hitting streaks of five or more games has Kwan had this year? Answers below.
Next
Friday: Guardians vs. Red Sox at 7:10 p.m. Apple TV+, WTAM, WMMS, WARF and the Guardians radio network will carry the game. RHP Ben Lively (1-3, 2.88) vs. RHP Tanner Houck (0-2, 7.66).
Saturday: Guardians vs. Red Sox at 6:10 p.m. CLEGuardians.TV, WTAM/1100, WMMS/100.7 FM, WARF and the Guardians radio network will carry the game. LHP Logan Allen (1-1, 2.11) vs. RHP Walker Buehler (3-1, 4.23).
Sunday: Guardians vs. Red Sox at 1:40 p.m. CLEGuardians.TV, WTAM/110, WMMS/100.7 FM, WARF and the Guardians radio network will carry the game. RHP Gavin Williams (2-1, 4.15) vs. RHP Brayan Bello (1-0, 1.80).
Monday: Twins visit for a four-game series.
Trivia answer
Kwan took a seven-game hitting streak into Friday’s night’s game against the Red Sox. It was his third streak of five games or better this year.
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