While the Cleveland Guardians wait for one key contributor to return from injury, another is set to go. With All-Star outfielder Steven Kwan considered day-to-day, Ben Lively takes the mound after dodging a serious injury in his most recent outing, as the American League Central-leading Guardians look for a second straight win and series split with the visiting Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday. Kwan was scratched from Friday's lineup with a back issue that also forced him to miss Saturday's 6-1 victory over the Rays.
"Kwan had some mid-to-low back tightness (and) stiffness going on," Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said. "So, we went and got a scan. It came back good, but he's still pretty sore.
" While it's uncertain if Kwan needs an injured-list stint, Lively (11-9, 4.01 ERA) won't miss any time after he took a liner off his right thigh during Tuesday's 5-0 victory against the Chicago White Sox. Getting hit by the drive forced him to exit after two innings.
In the days since, Lively experienced slightly more than a bruise but appears ready to take this turn in Cleveland's rotation. "I was trying to test it all we could and (discomfort) just started shooting all up and down my leg," Lively said. "Played the smart game (by leaving Tuesday's game).
" In two starts prior to that outing, the 32-year-old right-hander allowed 10 runs and 16 hits in 8 1/3 innings. Lively, who looked solid to begin Tuesday's start, will try to help the Guardians salvage a split after the team totaled three run.