Guardians Surprise With Schneemann Starting in Center Field on Opening Night

Manager Stephen Vogt shakes up lineup, with Bo Naylor batting fifth and Rhys Hoskins at first base

Mar. 27, 2026 at 1:18am

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The Cleveland Guardians opened their 2026 season with a few unexpected lineup choices, including starting Daniel Schneemann in center field over Gold Glove winner Steven Kwan, batting catcher Bo Naylor fifth, and using Rhys Hoskins at first base while Kyle Manzardo served as the designated hitter. Manager Stephen Vogt explained the reasoning behind the lineup decisions as the Guardians took on the Seattle Mariners.

Why it matters

The Guardians are looking to build on a successful 2025 season and make a deep playoff run. Vogt's lineup choices on opening night suggest he is willing to experiment and try new things to get the most out of his roster, which could pay dividends over the course of the long season.

The details

Schneemann, who played six positions for the Guardians last season, was a surprise starter in center field over Kwan, the team's regular center fielder. Vogt said Schneemann's experience and the matchup against Mariners starter Logan Gilbert factored into the decision. Naylor, who hit .195 last year, is expected to have a breakout season at the plate after making swing adjustments. Hoskins started at first base, with Manzardo serving as the DH, as Vogt tries to maximize the lineup against right-handed pitching.

  • The Guardians opened their 2026 season on Thursday, March 27th, against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park.

The players

Stephen Vogt

The manager of the Cleveland Guardians, who made some unexpected lineup choices for the team's opening night game.

Daniel Schneemann

A utility player for the Guardians who was a surprise starter in center field on opening night.

Steven Kwan

The Guardians' Gold Glove-winning center fielder, who was moved to left field for the opening night game.

Bo Naylor

The Guardians' catcher, who is expected to have a breakout season at the plate after making swing adjustments.

Rhys Hoskins

The Guardians' first baseman, who started at first base on opening night while Kyle Manzardo served as the designated hitter.

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What they’re saying

“Daniel has played a lot of good center field for us over the years. When you look at the nine hitters we wanted to match up with Logan Gilbert (Seattle's starting pitcher), he was one of them.”

— Stephen Vogt, Guardians Manager

“Kwan is going to play a lot of left and a lot of center. It's going to depend on who the nine guys are playing that night.”

— Stephen Vogt, Guardians Manager

“With the swing adjustments Bo made last year, he was one of our best hitters down the stretch. He completed the swing change over the winter. We saw it in spring training and in the WBC.”

— Stephen Vogt, Guardians Manager

What’s next

The Guardians and Mariners will continue their series on Friday, March 28th, with the Guardians looking to build on their opening night lineup decisions.

The takeaway

Vogt's willingness to experiment with the lineup on opening night shows the Guardians are not afraid to try new things in order to get the most out of their talented roster. This flexibility could pay dividends as the team looks to make a deep playoff run in 2026.