Spring training brought in an ugly injury for Cleveland Guardians’ top prospect Chase DeLauter.
Sadly, it wasn’t an uncommon development for the talented outfielder, who was limited to just 39 minor league games last year with various issues including a fractured foot and a hamstring strain.
He was supposed to have a normal spring and fight for the Guardians’ right field job this year, but instead, the organization announced in early March that the former first-round pick underwent sports hernia surgery and would miss between two and three months.
It represented yet another blow for his career, but it was never going to be a career-threatening obstacle.
If anything, it just delayed his debut a bit.
After multiple weeks of rest, rehab, batting practice, and all kinds of drills, DeLauter has been playing minor league games for a little while, getting ready for a potential call-up in the upcoming weeks.
On Monday, he hit his first Triple-A home run, a 106.8 mph rocket to right field.
“Cleveland Guardians 23-year-old OF prospect Chase DeLauter with a 393 foot solo HR 106.8 mph off the bat in the 2nd inning for Columbus at Rochester!” Guardians Prospective posted on X.
Cleveland #Guardians 23yr old OF prospect Chase DeLauter with a 393 foot solo HR 106.8 mph off the bat in the 2nd inning for Columbus at Rochester!#GuardsBall pic.twitter.com/TWeFs66fxG
— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) May 26, 2025
After the big fly, DeLauter is now hitting .300/.417/.700 for the Columbus Clippers in three games.
He showed last year that he can handle Triple-A pitching, but it’s important to point out he played just six games there in 2024.
He could eventually force the Guardians’ hand, but he is also coming off a major injury.
In any case, his performance from now on will dictate how the team handles his upcoming promotion.
The Guardians have a huge need in right field, but it would be unfair to give DeLauter the burden of huge expectations right out of the gate.
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