Cleveland Guardians outfielder Chase DeLauter had to be taken out of Tuesday’s game against the Los Angeles Dodgers with a left foot contusion after being hit there by a foul ball. He missed Wednesday’s finale in LA and took advantage of the off day on Thursday to heal, reappearing in the lineup on Friday in the home opener against the Chicago Cubs.
The young outfielder, who was the designated hitter in the opener at Progressive Field, had another game for the ages, going 3-for-4 with a run and three RBI, including a mammoth two-run homer in the seventh inning to turn a one-run lead into a cozy three-run advantage. With the blast, DeLauter tied for the league lead with Athletics catcher Shea Langeliers and reached eight RBI on the season.
DeLauter continues to take the league by storm and makes MLB history with every swing he takes.
“CHASE DELAUTER (2026), Rece Hinds (2024), Trevor Story (2016). That’s the list of all players in MLB history to hit 5+ home runs, score 6+ runs, and drive in 8+ RBIs within their first seven career (regular season) games,” researcher Luke Potosky posted on X.
CHASE DELAUTER (2026), Rece Hinds (2024), Trevor Story (2016)
That’s the list of all players in MLB history to hit 5+ home runs, score 6+ runs, and drive in 8+ RBIs within their first seven career (regular season) games. 📊#GuardsBall | @CleGuardians pic.twitter.com/tyyb1CS5fg
— Luke Potosky (@LukePotosky) April 3, 2026
Those who follow the Guardians’ farm system always believed in DeLauter. They saw a player with a short, compact swing that might eventually produce 25+ home runs and a batting average close to .300, combined with his excellent pitch recognition and patience.
However, not even the most optimistic Guardians fan saw this kind of dominance coming. Not to this extent, which makes it more pleasantly surprising.
The Guardians haven’t had such a powerful outfielder in ages. They just don’t produce too many quality outfielders these days, with the notable exception of Steven Kwan.
DeLauter still has work to do. Pitchers will eventually adjust and find the weaknesses in his game, and he will have to adjust back if they ever find the recipe to attack him. That’s the life of an MLB hitter.
The foundation is there for him to become an All-Star one day, though, perhaps in the 2026 campaign, with hard work, discipline, and the ability to adjust.
Can he stay healthy enough to realize his potential?
NEXT: Chase DeLauter Has Big Day In Guardians Win In Home Opener
