Guardians notes: Manager Stephen Vogt expects Steven Kwan to be named an All-Star reserve Sunday

CLEVELAND — Steven Kwan lost out to the American League's top vote recipient, the Yankees' Aaron Judge, and two Tigers, Riley Greene and Javy Baez, for a starting outfield spot in the July 15 All-Star Game at Atlanta's Truist Park. Guardians manager Stephen Vogt still expects to hear his left fielder's name called when All-Star Game pitchers and reserves are announced Sunday. "I don't think you can quantify what he means to us," Vogt said of Kwan, who would be making his second straight All-Star appearance. "Just the consistent defense, consistent at-bats, who he is in the clubhouse. Just the consistency in which he works when he takes the field every day and the spark that he gives our lineup, our team, every time he comes to the plate. "Steven Kwan 100% should be an All-Star, and I think he will be." Kwan, who has won three straight Gold Gloves, entered Friday night slashing .295/.358/.414 with six home runs, 26 RBIs and a .772 OPS over 82 games. His 28 multihit games ranked third among AL outfielders through Thursday and his eight outfield assists were the second-most in the majors. Third baseman Jose Ramirez was elected Wednesday to start for the fourth time in his career and make his seventh All-Star team — second-most in franchise history behind Bob Feller's eight. Closer Emmanuel Clase is a candidate to make his fourth straight All-Star team Sunday. Position of power The two managers Friday — Vogt and Detroit's A.J. Hinch — were major league catchers, something that has been prevalent throughout the history of the game. Current managers Bob Melvin (San Francisco), Bruce Bochy (Texas), Kevin Cash (Tampa Bay), Scott Servais (Seattle), Brian Snitker (Atlanta) and Mike Matheny (Kansas City) also are former catchers. Big league managers have played catcher more than any other position in history by far, with as many as nearly 50% of MLB managers in 2018 former catchers. "I played for some really good managers that weren't catchers, but I think being a catcher helps you think the game differently," Vogt said. "Everybody has their own style. Catchers are involved in every play when you're playing, so I think it does help with just being able to pay attention and handle everything — relationships with pitchers, position players, both. "I do think there are some perks to being a catcher, but I don't think catchers make the best managers by any means. There's a lot of catchers that are (managers), but everyone could be a great manager." Don't ask me With Guardians pitcher Luis Ortiz under investigation by MLB, Vogt refused to answer a question about gambling. Ortiz, who was placed on non-disciplinary leave Thursday, is being questioned in connection with prop wagers on two occasions, revolving around first-pitch balls and strikes. "I have no comment on gambling with baseball," Vogt said. "We're not allowed to have any part of it." Dog days Joey Chestnut defended his title Friday at Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating contest, consuming 70½ hot dogs. He owns the record of 76 set in 2021. Vogt was asked how many dogs he could down if he participated. "I maybe could do 10 if I really got after it," he said. "That might be overzealous, too." Roundin' third The Guardians entered Friday owning a 14-5 record against Central Division opponents. They had the fewest division losses in the majors in front of the Dodgers' six. Contact Chris Assenheimer at (440) 329-7136 or cassenheimer@chroniclet.com.