The Cleveland Guardians have been without rookie outfielder Chase DeLauter since June 13, when he had to leave that game with a bruised ribcage. He was injured crashing into the outfield wall while trying to make a play.
Tests determined he had a small rib fracture, and he was placed on the injured list four days later. The Guardians have struggled mightily on offense for weeks, in part because of his absence.
The sweet-swinging lefty has been progressing nicely, though. He resumed baseball activities on Monday.
Guardians manager Stephen Vogt had some more good news to report on Saturday, before the game against the Seattle Mariners at Progressive Field.
“Stephen Vogt said Chase DeLauter (broken rib) would be going through a full pregame today, including batting practice. Here’s DeLauter taking a few swings,” Joe Noga posted.
Stephen Vogt said Chase DeLauter (broken rib) would be going through a full pregame today, including batting practice. Here’s DeLauter taking a few swings. pic.twitter.com/SqGfMdVNZk
— Joe Noga (@JoeNogaCLE) June 27, 2026
Earlier this week, Vogt said he was hopeful that DeLauter would return at some point during the current homestand. Going through a full pregame workout is certainly a giant step in the right direction, but it remains to be seen how he feels afterward.
In any case, if DeLauter doesn’t return this weekend, he’s certainly not that far off. His bat would come in handy for an offense that has struggled to consistently put runs on the scoreboard.
DeLauter is slashing .263/.337/.408 with seven home runs, 34 RBIs, and a 110 wRC+ this season. He cooled off considerably after an explosive first week in which he hit five of his homers, but he is still an above-average hitter, and Cleveland can certainly use as many of those as possible.
He looked like a potential AL Rookie of the Year candidate in those first few games. That’s not the case anymore, and the injury certainly didn’t help matters, but the lineup is still missing his gap power, contact, and excellent plate discipline.
It appears that DeLauter will be the first one of the Guardians’ injured trio to return to action, getting back before superstar third baseman Jose Ramirez and fellow breakout outfielder Angel Martinez.
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