Cleveland Guardians outfielder Chase DeLauter is not just one of the best players on the team, but also one of the top rookie hitters in the American League. Unfortunately, he can’t seem to shake off the injury-prone label that has haunted him for most of his pro career to this point.
The 24-year-old slugger already spent a few days on the injured list back in June with a small rib fracture. He returned after a couple of weeks and eventually caught fire, becoming one of Cleveland’s most productive hitters in the second half, but on September 4, he suffered a wrist injury that kept him sidelined for almost a week.
He returned last Wednesday and played every game until Monday’s 7-3 loss to the Chicago White Sox. On Tuesday, however, he reported renewed wrist soreness and wasn’t in the lineup to face the Pale Hose in Game 2 at Progressive Field.
“DeLauter felt the right wrist issue again in his final AB last night. Came in sore today. Vogt said day-to-day,” MLB.com’s beat reporter Tim Stebbins said.
DeLauter felt the right wrist issue again in his final AB last night. Came in sore today. Vogt said day to day.
MartÃnez also day to day. Belief is he avoided something major. https://t.co/r8vUSgt3zN
— Tim Stebbins (@tim_stebbins) September 15, 2026
DeLauter had to miss huge chunks of games in his minor league career due to various injuries, and has had some health concerns in his first year as a major leaguer as well. Just when it looks like he is about to go on a tear, something comes up and halts his progress.
There’s still no word on the next steps for the talented outfielder, or if there are any tests or imaging in his short-term future. All we know is that the wrist has become an issue again, and that’s a concerning development as the team fights for a postseason spot.
DeLauter has slashed a cool .289/.362/.453 with 28 doubles, 14 home runs, 11 stolen bases, and a rock-solid 130 wRC+ in his first campaign as a full-time major leaguer. There’s no denying that he could have been a popular name on AL Rookie of the Year polls had he not missed time with injuries.
Cleveland certainly hopes to get good news on its outfielder in the next day or two, but nothing is set in stone.
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