Guardians lean on Kwan’s clutch hitting and Sabrowski’s left-handed magic as DeLauter prepares for debut in pivotal Wild Card battle with Tigers
The stage is set at Progressive Field as the Cleveland Guardians gear up to face the Detroit Tigers in a pivotal Wild Card series. This matchup marks the third consecutive week the two teams have clashed, but the stakes have never been higher. By Thursday night, one team will advance to face the AL West champion Seattle Mariners, while the other will be packing their bags for Cancun.
Cleveland’s remarkable journey through September has been defined by resilience and a touch of serendipity, culminating in a dramatic comeback and ultimately securing the division title. However, as any player or fan knows, playoff baseball presents a different set of challenges. To keep their postseason dreams alive, the Guardians will need standout performances from several key players. Here’s a closer look at three x-factors who could make a significant impact in this series.
Steven Kwan’s Clutch Factor
In the wake of Emanuel Clase’s season-ending suspension and the trade of Shane Bieber, there were whispers about the possibility of trading Steven Kwan. However, Cleveland’s general manager, Chris Antonetti, made a pivotal decision to hold onto the cornerstone left fielder—a choice that may prove to be one of the best moves of the trade deadline.
Kwan has been a vital contributor for the Guardians, particularly during their late-season surge. Despite a somewhat inconsistent finish, hitting just .185 in the final week with only one walk in 27 plate appearances, he boasts an impressive season average of .336 in clutch situations, accompanied by 44 RBIs. His elite, gold-glove caliber defense further underscores his value to the team, making him an essential asset as they navigate the postseason.
Erik Sabrowski’s Bullpen Brilliance
Among the talented arms in the Guardians’ bullpen, Erik Sabrowski may be the most underrated. While names like Hunter Gaddis and Cade Smith often steal the spotlight, Sabrowski has quietly excelled as a late-inning lefty specialist. With a stellar 1.84 ERA across 29 innings and 42 strikeouts, his performance has been pivotal.
However, Sabrowski’s command has been an issue; he has issued 21 walks, resulting in a strikeout-to-walk ratio of just 2:1. As playoff management becomes crucial, the 27-year-old lefty will need to find consistent command to unleash his unhittable arsenal (with an opponent batting average of just .144). Expect manager Stephen Vogt to strategically deploy him against Detroit’s left-handed power hitters, like Riley Greene and Kerry Carpenter, in high-leverage situations.
Chase DeLauter’s Anticipated Debut
As the playoffs approach, all eyes are on Chase DeLauter, a highly anticipated power-hitting prospect who has recently been added to Cleveland’s taxi squad. The No. 2 prospect in the Guardians’ system and their first-round draft pick in 2022, DeLauter has faced injury challenges but possesses above-average defensive skills and considerable power at the plate.
Guardians fans have been eagerly awaiting DeLauter’s arrival, and if he makes his MLB debut during this Wild Card series, he would join a select group of players who have accomplished this feat in the postseason. For a team in desperate need of power hitters, DeLauter could provide a significant boost to their playoff aspirations, assuming he is healthy enough to contribute.
As the Guardians strive to secure their place in the ALDS for a second consecutive year, it is clear that they will rely on contributions from every player on the playoff roster. With the stakes high and the pressure mounting, the performances of Kwan, Sabrowski, and DeLauter could be the keys to unlocking their postseason success.
