Chase DeLauter has missed time in the lineup over the last several days due to lingering left hamstring tightness, but the rookie outfielder offered a reassuring update on where things stand as Cleveland continues its push through the stretch run. DeLauter has been limited to pinch-hitting duties, including his key role in Wednesday’s ninth-inning rally against the Angels, but has not started a game in three straight days as the club continues to manage the issue carefully.
The tightness first surfaced last week, briefly sidelining DeLauter before he returned to deliver a historic two triple performance during Cleveland’s sweep of the Rockies. It resurfaced again before the series in Anaheim, leading the Guardians to hold him out of the starting lineup for the third consecutive game, even as he continued factoring into games off the bench. Speaking with reporters, DeLauter made clear that the caution has been a collaborative decision between himself and the training staff.
“I’m feeling solid,” DeLauter said. “I just felt a little tight the other day, met with the staff and decided the best plan moving forward. I think a big part of it was making sure I am available every day and I feel available, and just kind of going from there.”
DeLauter explained that he felt a bit of tightness a few days ago, prompting him to meet with the training staff to determine the best path forward. He emphasized that a major part of the approach has centered on making sure he remains available every day in some capacity, even if that means coming off the bench rather than starting, adding that he currently feels capable of contributing whenever the team needs him.
That kind of availability has already proven valuable. DeLauter delivered the game-tying single that started Wednesday’s decisive ninth-inning rally in Anaheim, a performance that helped extend Cleveland’s winning streak to seven games and complete a perfect road trip through Denver and Anaheim. His ability to still impact games off the bench, even while managing the injury, speaks to the value he continues to provide to a lineup that has found real consistency over the last two weeks.
With Cleveland now off Thursday before returning home to open a series against the Royals, the extra rest could work in DeLauter’s favor as he continues working his way back to full health. Given how well the Guardians have played during this stretch, there is no reason to rush him back before he is ready, especially with the club now within two games of the division lead and holding a comfortable cushion in the wild card race. If DeLauter’s recovery continues on this track, Cleveland could have its full lineup back and rolling right as the calendar turns toward September.
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