If you followed the Cleveland Guardians’ spring training campaign, you know that Chase DeLauter was incredibly impressive in camp.
You are familiar with the name: the star Guardians outfield prospect with the awkward, but remarkably productive swing.
He was off to a miserable start in Double-A Akron, with a .194/.301/.290 line over his first 17 games.
Then, the injury bug bit him hard: a fractured foot and a turf toe have kept him on the shelf for much of the Guardians minor league season.
He has been fully healthy for a few days now, and after playing a couple of games in the Arizona Complex League as part of his rehab stint, he has now returned to Double-A to continue his development.
“For Today — Reinstate Chase DeLauter from the 7-day IL in AKR. Transfer W Torres from DSL Mendoza to DSL Goryl; Transfer S Utariz from DSL Goryl to DSL Mendoza,” GuardsInsider tweeted.
For Today —
Reinstate Chase DeLauter from the 7-day IL in AKR
Transfer W Torres from DSL Mendoza to DSL Goryl
Transfer S Utariz from DSL Goryl to DSL Mendoza— GuardsInsider (@GuardsInsider) July 27, 2024
Despite his poor numbers this season and the injuries, it’s important not to forget that DeLauter is actually a star prospect who is expected to contribute next year at the latest.
The sample size of his Double-A struggles this season is tiny, and the team is eager to see what he can do while fully healthy and with everyday at-bats.
The Guardians probably won’t rush him and will prioritize his development in the high minors, but he can be a reliable everyday-type player for Cleveland.
He had a rock-solid year in High-A and Double-A this year and impressed in the 2024 spring training.
The injuries have delayed his promotion to Triple-A, but if he can finish the year there, Cleveland will probably be happy.
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