The Cleveland Guardians got good news Friday on their hottest hitter.
Rookie outfielder Chase DeLauter, who fouled a ball off his foot during the team’s series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, is expected to return to the lineup as the designated hitter in Cleveland’s home opener against the Chicago Cubs.
Manager Stephen Vogt confirmed the update on MLB Network Radio, saying DeLauter is not expected to miss any more time after suffering a left foot contusion in Tuesday’s loss against the Dodgers.
“He was available to pinch-hit on Wednesday night. The spot didn’t come up, so he should be in the lineup today,” Vogt said.
The timing of DeLauter’s absence worked in Cleveland’s favor. Vogt indicated Wednesday had already been planned as a maintenance day for the rookie before the injury occurred, and the Guardians had Thursday off as a travel day heading back to Cleveland. That gave DeLauter two full days of rest before Friday’s home opener.
Given DeLauter’s medical history, even a routine foot injury demands attention. He underwent surgery on his foot after a college injury in 2023, dealt with additional foot issues in 2024, and missed time that same year with a core muscle hernia and a right hamate fracture.
The Guardians need DeLauter to be healthy. He’s been the best hitter in baseball to start the year, posting a .273 batting average with four home runs, five RBI, for a 1.123 OPS through his first six games. He was named American League Player of the Week and set a Guardians franchise record with 18 total bases through his first four career games, surpassing a mark that had stood since 1936.
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Cleveland has relied on its pitching and contact to win, with Jose Ramirez carrying the power load. DeLauter’s emergence as a legitimate power bat to complement Ramirez, as well as the contact-oriented lineup, changes the team’s outlook for the rest of the season. Pitchers will no longer be able to just work around Ramirez, knowing that DeLauter’s waiting behind him, and that dynamic alone makes this lineup more dangerous than it’s been in a while.
The concern now shifts to sustainability. Even with how well DeLauter has been at the plate, he also has a high strikeout rate at 30.4 percent according to MLB Savant. A couple of days off could disrupt his timing, or changes to his routine could compound the issue. However, Vogt is confident he’ll get back in the lineup and continue to produce.
“The young talent in this league is so impressive,” Vogt added. “These guys come to the big leagues so talented and ready. They’re ready for the big moment.”
