CLEVELAND, Ohio — Guardians’ leadoff hitter Steven Kwan says his right wrist is feeling better after he received an injection on Wednesday to reduce the inflammation and pain.

“It feels good,” said Kwan, who missed his second straight game on Saturday night against the A’s. “I got the shot and have been recovering well. I’m cautiously optimistic.”

Kwan received the injection on Wednesday, the day after he played in the All-Star Game in Atlanta. The decision to allow Kwan to play in the All-Star Game despite his wrist injury has drawn criticism from fans on social media, who questioned the wisdom of risking further injury.

“I wanted to play with the best in the world,” said Kwan. “They fully supported me on that. I really appreciate it and I wanted to be responsible about it.

“I just played in the game (two at-bats as a defensive replacement). I didn’t do any BP (batting practice). I just stood out there for the shagging and stuff.

“I didn’t try to go too crazy with it. I just tried to get in the game and play like I could.”

Kwan’s infield single in the ninth inning pulled the AL into a 6-6 tie. He added a stolen base as the game ended tied after nine innings and was decided by a home-run swing-off in favor of the National League.

Yes, Kwan brought Guards Ball to the All-Star Game

“When I got back to the bench, the Yankees coaches were all looking at me and saying, ‘Guards Ball, huh?’ I couldn’t help but laugh at that,” said Kwan. “I think Vogter (manager Stephen Vogt) might have been whispering in their ears.”

Yankee manager Aaron Boone invited Vogt to the All-Star Game as one of his coaches. Boone and the Yankees coaching staff worked the All-Star Game because they reached the World Series last year. They did so by beating the Guardians in the ALCS.

Kwan said he injured the wrist on a stolen base attempt on May 27 against the Dodgers at Progressive Field. The injury happened in the third inning as Bo Naylor struck out to end the inning, while Kwan was sliding headfirst into second.

“I came into the bag, rolled it over and it just kind of dragged it along,” said Kwan. “It felt weird that game and it’s been lingering ever since.

“It’s been getting better at certain times, then something happens and it gets worse. We were trying to forego the shot and see if it would get better on its own. But I took a big swing in Houston and it flared up again.”

The trade deadline is July 31st. It’s been speculated by some that the Guardians may trade Kwan. They control him for two more years, but have been unable to reach an extension with him.

“It’s all just people who are speculating about those things,” said Kwan. “If I’m going to dig into those things, I’m also going to dig into guys saying I stink and cost them money.

“It’s all noise. In those moments, you have to rely on your teammates and each other. We got one thing we’re focusing on. All the other noise is always going to be there, but it’s just noise.”

The Guardians went with switch-hitting Angel Martinez in Kwan’s leadoff spot Saturday for the second straight night. Nolan Jones started in left field.

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