Former Lake City High star Manzardo called up to big leagues by Cleveland

By MARK NELKE

Sports editor

Kyle Manzardo is headed to The Show.

The former Lake City High and Washington State star is being called up by the Cleveland Guardians to replace outfielder and leadoff hitter Steven Kwan, who is going on the 10-day injured list with a hamstring strain.

"Obviously this has been my dream for as long as I remember, so it feels pretty surreal right now to get the opportunity to do it," Manzardo told The Press. "It means the world to me."

Manzardo got the word he was being promoted from Triple-A from Columbus manager Andy Tracy, and called his parents, Paul and Windy, who live in Coeur d'Alene.

"It was a super fun moment when I called my parents," Kyle said.

Kwan, who entered the weekend leading the AL in batting, underwent an MRI after leaving Saturday's game against the Los Angeles Angels with tightness.

The team has the results and intends to place Kwan on the 10-day IL. The Guardians will officially make the roster moves Monday before opening a three-game series with Detroit. Monday’s game, scheduled for 3:10 p.m. PDT, is slated to be televised on FS1.

Manzardo, a 2018 graduate of Lake City, appeared in 12 spring training games with the Guardians this season before being assigned to the team’s minor league camp. In 24 plate appearances (21 at-bats), he had eight hits, including two doubles, drove in two runs and scored twice.

Manzardo, drafted in the second round (63rd overall) in 2021 by Tampa Bay, was acquired last year from the Rays at the trade deadline for pitcher Aaron Civale.

The Guardians didn't want to rush Manzardo, so they had him open the season at Triple-A Columbus. But the 23-year-old has been on a tear with the Clippers, hitting eight homers and driving in 14 runs in the last 14 games.

In 109 at-bats with Columbus, Manzardo hit .303 with 9 homers and 20 RBIs. 

The Guardians believe he's ready to take on major league pitchers.

“He’s been good against left-handed pitching, his approach against lefties has improved,” president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti said before the Guardians beat the Angels 4-1 in their series finale Sunday.

“He’s worked really hard at his defense, both his footwork around the bag and his throwing and he continues to put up and manage really good at-bats.”

Manzardo will likely be used primarily as the team's designated hitter but can spell Josh Naylor at first base.

—The Associated Press contributed to this report.