The Cleveland Guardians had high expectations for Chase DeLauter entering this season.
The star outfielder prospect looked poised to make his Major League Baseball debut.
Unfortunately, injuries got in the way again.
He’s currently out with a wrist injury, and while he’s been making big strides in his recovery, the clock is ticking for a potential call-up this season.
With that in mind, the team might want to give him an extended run in the Arizona Fall League, according to Guardians insider Paul Hoynes:
“OF Chase DeLauter (right hand) is at the team’s facility in Goodyear working on a hitting program. It’s unclear if he’ll rejoin Columbus before the end of the season, but it is possible that the Guardians could have him spend some time in the Arizona Fall League,” Hoynes wrote.
Despite the injury, DeLauter was dominating at Triple-A Columbus.
He has a rare combination of power and contact, and he looks like a five-tool player who could thrive at the next level even without much of an adjustment period.
He’s big, strong, and naturally gifted, and the Guardians could certainly use some help in the outfield.
Nevertheless, injuries have always been a talking point with him.
He’s missed plenty of time due to multiple ailments, and it appears he just can’t stay healthy.
He’s missed plenty of time this season alone, which his why the Guardians ultimately chose to bump C.J. Kayfus and George Valera in the pecking order and call both of them up instead of him.
DeLauter is incredibly talented and the No. 2 prospect in the organization behind only Travis Bazzana.
They will play it safely with him to make sure he’s back to full strength before calling him up.
But if this trend continues, they might want to have some uncomfortable conversations about him.
NEXT: Guardians Pitcher Urged To Have A Strong September
