Guardians: Kwan, Clase win monthly awards

Cleveland Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan and closer Emmanuel Clase each came away with a monthly award.

Anyone who has paid attention to the Cleveland Guardians has recognized that Steven Kwan and Emmanuel Clase have been outstanding this season. Their performances have resulted in each of these players winning American League awards for the month of September.

Kwan was named the AL Rookie of the Month, slashing .325/.396./.450 with 21 runs scored, 14 RBI, three home runs, two doubles, and two triples in 28 games. The Guardians rookie outfielder also walked 13 times and stole seven bases.

Clase earned AL Reliever of the Month honors for September. The Guardians closer finished 12 games and saving 10, including his 40th of the season, Clase struck out 16 of the 64 batters faced in 17 games (16 innings).

It appears that the Guardians are having two key players peaking at just the right time. The postseason begins Friday and this is the type of momentum they need to continue for an extended run. Kwan and Clase are just two of many players that Cleveland will count in the playoffs. Things appear to be falling into place at the right time for the American League Central Champions.