Kyle Manzardo, who played three seasons for the Cougs and was named an All-American as a junior, made his major league debut for the Cleveland Guardians Monday and was in the lineup again Tuesday.

Batting seventh as the designated hitter, Manzardo did not manage a hit in either of his first two games. He struck out swinging three times in three plate appearances in his debut and struggled again Tuesday, tallying three more strikeouts three times and flying out on his first major league contact.

The Tampa Bay Rays drafted Manzardo in the second round of the 2021 draft and he spent two seasons in that organization before being traded to Cleveland last year. The Guardians’ No. 2 prospect saw success this season with the Columbus Clippers of the Triple-A International League and has been hitting especially well over the last few weeks.

Manzardo has hit nine home runs for the Clippers this season, with eight of those coming in his last 14 games.

With roster uncertainty abounding in the major league clubhouse, it was unsure when he would get the call. However, when Gold Glove left fielder Steven Kwan sprained his hamstring and went to the 10-day Injured List, there was no question of who would be called up to replace him.

The Guardian’s offense has struggled as of late, scoring more than three runs just once in as many series. Manzardo will have a spot in Cleveland for the rest of the season if he starts hitting anything close to what he has shown he is capable of. 

Defensively, the plan is for him to see time at first base and in the outfield. While he is a natural first baseman, the Guardians already have projected All-Star Josh Naylor at the position.

The outfield is another story, with only the now-injured Kwan being a sure thing at his position. Manzardo has not played outfield as a pro, but if he can provide passable defense in right field he has a shot to be an everyday player out there and at DH.