Cleveland Guardians top prospect Chase DeLauter made history when he debuted in the AL Wild Card series last season, and his brief cup of coffee in the majors proved that he is ready for the show. He is projected to be an Opening Day starter in the outfield for the Guardians in 2026 and is arguably the team’s biggest X-factor.
The risk is that DeLauter has a decorated injury history in the minors and has yet to prove that he can stay healthy over the course of a full season. Those concerns have already resurfaced in Spring Training, as he is now reportedly dealing with an injury.
MLB.com’s Tim Stebbins reported on X that DeLauter was a late scratch from today’s lineup against the Texas Rangers. Fans shouldn’t be too concerned, as reports indicate he was dealing with lower-body soreness due to heavy on-field activity.
“Chase DeLauter was a late scratch from today’s Guardians lineup. Lower body soreness from heavy on-field activity to open camp. He was set to hit second and play right field. Petey Halpin starting there in his place,” Stebbins wrote.
Chase DeLauter was a late scratch from today's Guardians lineup. Lower body soreness from heavy on-field activity to open camp.
He was set to hit second and play right field. Petey Halpin starting there in his place.
— Tim Stebbins (@tim_stebbins) February 25, 2026
This is the last guy fans want to see on the injury report given his history, but soreness is common at this point of the season. For someone as injury-prone as DeLauter, it’s wise for the team to be conservative and avoid pushing him to play through any discomfort when it’s not even March yet.
The fact that DeLauter was slated to hit second and play right field was a good sign about where Stephen Vogt envisions him in this lineup. The exact layout of the outfield is still up in the air, especially with Steven Kwan taking reps in center field, but the most important thing is finding a spot in the field and in the lineup where DeLauter can deliver consistently and remain healthy and comfortable.
Keep an eye out for any developments on this front as the week unfolds, but hopefully it’s nothing to be concerned about and DeLauter can get back out there in a day or two. He’s a huge part of what this team is trying to do this season, and he needs to stay on the field more than he ever has in order to give this team what it needs.
NEXT: Guardians Manager Says Young Outfielder Will Get A Long Look This Spring
