The Cleveland Guardians have moved Steven Kwan out of the leadoff spot for Saturday's game against the Cincinnati Reds. Manager Stephen Vogt made the change amid Kwan's struggles at the plate this season. Daniel Schneemann will start in the top spot.
Kwan will bat sixth at Progressive Field, marking his first start outside the No. 1 position since June 18, 2022. The 28-year-old entered the day with a .201/.308/.258 slash line through 42 games and has posted a .477 OPS in May.
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Cleveland Guardians pitcher Gavin Williams delivered a dominant performance, allowing one unearned run over 7 2/3 innings with nine strikeouts and zero walks in a 3-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays at Progressive Field. The win capped Cleveland's April schedule and avoided a sweep. Williams snapped a 45-start streak without a walk-free outing.
Cincinnati Reds first baseman Sal Stewart is navigating his first extended hitting slump in the major leagues. The 22-year-old rookie expressed frustration after a key at-bat but remained optimistic about his long-term outlook.
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Seattle Mariners third baseman Brendan Donovan missed the series opener against the Houston Astros due to an illness. The team returned to T-Mobile Park after a 1-5 road trip, hoping for an offensive boost from their most consistent hitter. Manager Dan Wilson said Donovan is just a little under the weather.
The Cincinnati Reds snapped a three-game losing streak with a 7-3 win over the Los Angeles Angels on Saturday at Great American Ball Park. Nathaniel Lowe's three-run double highlighted a four-run first inning in their new City Connect uniforms. Starter Brandon Williamson escaped early threats despite walking six batters.
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Atlanta Braves second baseman Ozzie Albies smashed a solo home run in the first inning after manager Walt Weiss placed him third in the lineup for Friday's Opening Day game against the Kansas City Royals at Truist Park. The surprising slot came despite Albies' recent struggles against left-handed pitching. Weiss expressed confidence in the switch-hitter's recovery from injury.
Spencer Strider delivered another solid performance in his rehab assignment, recording seven strikeouts over five-plus innings for Triple-A Gwinnett in a 10-5 loss to Jacksonville on Sunday at Gwinnett Field. The Atlanta Braves pitcher threw 82 pitches before exiting after walking Christopher Morel to open the sixth. Strider has now completed three rehab outings since injuring his left oblique late in spring training.
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Bobby Witt Jr. batted leadoff for the Kansas City Royals in their 7-6 victory over the Oakland Athletics during spring training. The move prepares him for a potential similar role with Team USA in the World Baseball Classic. Witt contributed a single and a home run in the game at Surprise Stadium.