ARLINGTON, Texas -- Tyler Freeman is manager Stephen Vogt’s latest candidate to hit in Steven Kwan’s vacant leadoff spot.
He made his fourth straight appearance at the top of the lineup in Wednesday’s 4-0 loss to the Rangers. Freeman had one of Cleveland’s six hits, bouncing a single off third base in the third inning.
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Freeman has found different ways to reach base.
In Tuesday’s 7-4 win, he reached in four of five plate appearances. He was hit twice by pitches, walked and doubled in the ninth inning.
In Monday’s 7-0 win over Texas, Freeman singled, walked twice and scored two runs. So far Freeman has shown an ability to reach base that was lacking from Estevan Florial and Brayan Rocchio.
“He’s had big at-bats out of the leadoff spot,” said manager Stephen Vogt. “He’s looking more and more comfortable. I love the way he’s approaching it. His at-bats have been more balanced, and he’s swinging at the right pitches.”
Freeman still has a ways to go at the plate. He’s hitting just .195 (24 for 123) with six doubles, four homers and 13 RBI. He’s scored 21 runs and stolen five bases in eight attempts.
One unexpected stat for Freeman has him leading the Guardians with eight hit by pitches. That’s one more than every pitcher’s favorite target -- Andres Gimenez.
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Speaking of Gimenez, he might be Vogt’s next choice as a leadoff hitter. Gimenez, after a lengthy slump, hit .292 (7 for 24) on the just completed seven-game trip against the White Sox and Texas.
The Guardians are 6-5 since Kwan went on the injured list with a strained left hamstring. He’ll miss at least four weeks.
Last night’s game
When a team plays 162 games in a season, there are going to be some forgettable ones. The Guardians played one of those file and forget games Wednesday night at Globe Life Field.
They lost to Texas, 4-0, in a game that came down to two pitches. Marcus Semien hit a two-run homer off Carlos Carrasco in the fifth inning and Adolis Garcia hit a two-run homer off Nick Sandlin in the sixth.
The Guards had scored 21 runs in their previous last three games, but they were shut out on six singles Wednesday by Jon Gray and three relievers. The Rangers had lost five straight and seven of their last nine.
Cleveland returned home with 3-4 record on their seven-game trip.
What’s next
The Guardians are off Thursday after playing 16 games in as many days. They went 8-8 in those games.
On Friday the Twins arrive at Progressive Field for a three-game visit after they conclude a three-game series against the Yankees on Thursday. In the tightly bunched AL Central, the first-place Guardians held a 1 1/2 game lead over the Royals and a two-game lead over the Twins following Wednesday night’s scores.
So when the Twins arrive at Progressive Field, first place will be in play. It’s only May, but that should add some sizzle to the series.
Here are the pitching matchups for the three games:
Friday: RHP Triston McKenzie (2-3, 3.54) vs. RHP Simeon Woods Richardson (1-0, 3.24) at 7:10 p.m. Apple TV+, WTAM, WMMS, WARF and the Guardians radio network will carry the game.
Saturday: LHP Logan Allen (4-2, 5.56) vs. RHP Bailey Ober (4-1, 3.77) at 6:10 p.m. Bally Sports Great Lakes, WTAM, WMMS, WARF and the Guardians radio network will carry the game.
Sunday: RHP Tanner Bibee (2-1, 4.34) vs. RHP Chris Paddack (4-2, 4.89) 1:40 p.m. Bally Sports Great Lakes, WTAM, WMMS, WARF and the Guardians radio network will carry the game.
Francisco Lindor and the New York Mets arrive at Progressive Field for a three-game series Monday. The Mets swept the Guardians last year at Citi Field.
The Guardians, after an off day on May 23, start a six-game trip with a three-game series against the Angels at Angels Stadium on May 24.
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