DH is now routine for rookie Kyle Manzardo: Guardians breakfast

This wasn’t the best solution.

Manzardo, like most players, was used to playing both sides of the ball. If you were struggling with the bat, you could always help out on defense. How to fill the time between at-bats productively as a DH was something new for him.

In 30 games, he hit .207 (17-for-82) with 10 doubles, no homeruns and seven RBI. The Guardians optioned him to Columbus on June 18.

In Columbus, he continued to play first base for the Clippers, but also focused on the DH position. The Clippers made it a point to have Manzardo play DH in consecutive games a few times a month so he could get a feel for the position.

“In Columbus, we worked on developing a routine,” Manzardo said. “I’ve been playing DH in two consecutive games over the last few months. That helped me develop a routine of what I need to do between at-bats.”

The training, Manzardo said, includes various stretches and exercises in the weight room and in the baseball cages.

“I think I’m in a good situation now,” he said.

Sunday’s results and the numbers he put up in Columbus are good proof of that.

Manzardo, who was recalled Sunday when the team’s roster expanded to 28 players, hit his first two major league home runs in consecutive at-bats to help the Guardians beat the Pirates 6-1 at Progressive Field.

In 82 games for Columbus, he hit .267 average (78-for-292) with 20 doubles, 20 home runs and 49 RBI.

Before game manager Stephen Vogt made it clear that Manzardo would spend the majority of his playing time at DH. Manzardo is ready for that.

“When I first started, I was never strictly a DH,” Manzardo said. “I got used to running, being active during the game. It was tough. But I feel like I’m in a good place now.”

Time for some trivia

What better way to celebrate Labor Day by honoring the dignity of the American worker than with a stack of pancakes topped with maple syrup and bacon? The early birds on the Guardians’ traveling party are probably munching on some carbs right now to fuel up on their game at Kauffman Stadium tonight. While you’re digging in, consider this question. Who was the last Cleveland player, other than Manzardo, to hit his first two major league home runs in the same game? Answer below.

Weekend

The Guardians finished their 10-game home streak with a 5-5 record. They won 2-1 against Texas, 3-1 against the Royals and 2-1 against the Pirates.

They rallied to beat the Pirates 10-8 on Friday. Emmamuel Clase became Cleveland’s all-time leader in saves in a game despite allowing Andrew McCutchen’s leadoff home run. Clase passed Cody Allen for his 150th save — 40 this season — in a Cleveland uniform.

The Guards lost 3-0 on Saturday night as they were limited to two hits. They came back to win 6-1 on Sunday. Alex Cobb came off the injured list to throw six perfect innings before allowing two hits in the top of the seventh.

Today’s game

RHP Gavin Williams (2-7, 4.99) will start for Cleveland, while RHP Michael Wacha (11-6, 3.50) will start for the Royals at Kauffman Stadium at 4:10 p.m.

The Royals are 7-3 against the Guardians this season, but the Guardians hold a 3 1/2-point lead over them and the Twins in the AL Central.

It’s almost desperation time for the Royals to win the division. If they can dominate Cleveland like they did last week, winning three of four games at Progressive Field, it could put the Guards’ chances of winning the Central in jeopardy.

The Royals and Twins are currently the second and third sports in the AL wild card race.

Bally Sports Great Lakes will broadcast the series. FOX Sports 1 will broadcast the game on Wednesday. WTAM, WMMS and the Guardians Radio Network will broadcast the series.

What’s next?

Here’s what’s going on for the Guardians after Monday’s game against the Royals.

Tuesday: RHP Tanner Bibee (10-6, 3.65) vs. RHP Brady Singer (9-9, 3.36) Tuesday at 7:40 p.m.

Wednesday: RHP Ben Lively (11-6, 3.92) vs. RHP Seth Lugo (14-8, 3.12) Wednesday at 7:40 p.m.

Thursday: The Guardians will spend the day off in Los Angeles.

Friday: The Guardians open a three-game series against the Dodgers at Dodgers Stadium. Friday’s game is scheduled to begin at 10:10 p.m. ET.

Monday: The Guardians will begin a three-game series against the White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field.

Answer to quiz question: While Manzardo is the 10th player to hit two major league home runs in a single game, the last to do so was Ernie Clement against the Tigers on Aug. 13, 2021.

Bonus points if you know how many homeruns Clement has hit this year with the Jays. Clement has hit 11 of his 15 career homeruns this year with the Blue Jays.