Former Scrappers informed they'll make Guardians' Opening Day roster
A pair of former Mahoning Valley Scrappers are no longer Cleveland Guardians' prospects, as they were informed Saturday they'll be on the big-league Opening Day roster.
Catcher Bryan Lavastida and outfielder Steven Kwan, who both played with the Scrappers at the then-single-a level, will suit up as Cleveland Guardians on Opening Day.
Lavastida and Kwan are both in the Guardians' spring training lineup Saturday night against the Texas Rangers. Lavastida will bat sixth as the designated hitter while Kwan follows him up at seventh in the lineup, playing in right field.
Lavastida played in 58 games with the Scrappers in 2019, which at the time were still affiliated with the Cleveland Indians. In those 58 games, he boasted a .335 average, had 38 RBIs and a pair of home runs. He was drafted by Cleveland with the 463rd pick of the 2018 draft (Round 15).
He quickly went up the ladder of the Cleveland farm system, playing at all three levels in 2021. Most recently, Lavastida played with triple-A Columbus. In 2021 across all levels, he had an average of .289, driving in 51 runs on 83 hits that included nine home runs.
Kwan played in four games with the Scrappers in 2018, including two games in the playoffs. In those four games Kwan had 12 at bats and four hits. He was drafted in the fifth round of the 2018 draft with the 163rd overall pick.
This comes as the Guardians announced outfielder Josh Naylor will begin the regular season on the 10-day injured list.
Pitcher Konnor Pilkington has also been informed he will make the Guardians Opening Day club.
Second baseman Ernie Clement, who played in 40 games with Cleveland last year, also spent time with the Scrappers in 2017.
Opening day for Cleveland is set for April 7 in Kansas City. The Guardians' home opener is scheduled for Friday, April 15 against the San Francisco Giants.