The Cleveland Guardians have a clear plan for Chase DeLauter as he returns from his rib injury.
Two weeks after Chase DeLauter fractured his rib after a collision with the outfield wall, the Cleveland Guardians star rookie was right back in the lineup after a brief stint on the injured list.
The Guardians desperately need offense right now, but they must also be careful with DeLauter, given the nature of his injury and his lengthy history with ailments.
Sunday was DeLauter’s first game off the injured list, and he was hitting third as Cleveland’s designated hitter.
Stephen Vogt said this role will be more or less how the Guardians plan to use DeLauter, as he gets back into the groove at the big-league level. Remember, Cleveland opted to immediately activate the 24-year-old instead of sending him off for a rehab assignment.
“He’s gonna DH quite a bit,” said Cleveland’s skipper after Sunday’s win.
“It's going to be similar to how his role was before, where he's going to have regular DH days, but at least for the foreseeable future. He'll be in right field soon, but we need to make sure that he's feeling good, moving well… it’s just nice to have his bat back in the lineup.”
May 17, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians right fielder Chase DeLauter (24) celebrates on base as Cleveland Guardians first baseman Kyle Manzardo (not pictured) hits a more run during the third inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn ImagesUsing DeLauter primarily as a designated hitter while he gets reacclimated is definitely the safe move for him and the team. As Vogt also pointed out, the Guardians have a collection of solid defensive outfielders already; they really need DeLauter’s offensive output.
Perhaps the most interesting piece to DeLauter, primarily being the designated hitter, is how that will impact the recently called-up Cooper Ingle.
Vogt said the Guardians would primarily use the prospect in left field and as a designated hitter. However, with DeLauter at DH, Ingle is going to see much more time in the outfield, which is still a position he’s learning at the professional level.
As Vogt alluded to, though, the Guardians are just thankful to have one of their best hitters back, and DeLauter showed that in his first game off the injured list.
The rookie logged two hits, including a game-tying single in the eighth inning, which set up Rhys Hoskins’ go-ahead RBI double.
The Guardians need DeLauter, and if having him primarily be the designated hitter is the best way to avoid further injury, then the best plan for him right now.
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