The Cleveland Guardians pulled rookie outfielder Chase DeLauter from Sunday's 5-0 loss to the San Diego Padres after he experienced mild left hamstring tightness.
DeLauter exited before the third inning after feeling a cramping sensation during his final pregame warmup sprint. MLB.com reporter Tim Stebbins reported that Cleveland made the move out of an abundance of caution.
The timing gives the Guardians some reason for optimism. Cleveland has a scheduled off day Monday, creating an additional opportunity for DeLauter to recover before the team hosts the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday.
DeLauter has been one of Cleveland's more productive offensive players during his rookie season. He entered Sunday with a .285 batting average and an .800 OPS, along with 13 home runs, 22 doubles and 57 RBIs.
He was also riding a 13-game on-base streak before leaving Sunday's game. His August production has been particularly strong, with DeLauter batting .339 (19-for-56) and hitting two home runs this month.
The Guardians made a corresponding defensive adjustment after DeLauter's departure. Angel Martínez moved into left field, while midseason acquisition Jo Adell shifted from left field to right field.
David Dermer-Imagn Images
Sunday's loss added to a difficult stretch for Cleveland, which has now dropped five consecutive series. The Guardians entered the day at 60-65, sitting 6 games behind the Chicago White Sox in the American League Central.
Cleveland's postseason hopes remain alive, but the club needs continued production from DeLauter as it tries to stay in the Wild Card race. The rookie's health will therefore be worth monitoring when the Guardians return Tuesday.
For now, Sunday's early exit appears to have been a precautionary decision rather than confirmation of a longer-term absence.
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