Manzardo sent back down to Triple-A

Kyle Manzardo, the former Lake City High and Washington State star who was called up by the Cleveland Guardians on May 6, was optioned back to Triple-A Columbus on Tuesday. 

The lefty hitting Manzardo, 23, batted .207 (17 for 82) with the Guardians, with 10 doubles, 0 homers and seven RBIs. 

“Obviously Kyle had some huge hits for us, and contributed to a lot of wins,” Cleveland manager Stephen Vogt told Cleveland media, prior to Tuesday’s game vs. the visiting Seattle Mariners. “We had to make a roster decision, and we felt Kyle getting down to Columbus, and getting consistent playing time every day, playing first base and getting back into a rhythm, and into a groove ... and he’ll be ready whenever we need him again. But, it was more about his playing time, and we’d seen his playing time dwindle over the past couple of weeks ... just wanting him to get consistent at-bats to work on the things that he needs to.”

Manzardo, the Guardians’ No. 2 prospect per MLB Pipeline, was mostly a designated hitter with Cleveland and played some at first base. Josh Naylor is the everyday first baseman. 

“I don’t know if it hurt him at the plate (not playing much at first base); it definitely limited his opportunities to get into the lineup,” Vogt said. “But that had more to do with Josh Naylor than Kyle. We think Kyle is a really good first baseman, and a very good hitter, and we know he’s going to help us tremendously in the future.”