Chase DeLauter remains at DH against Rangers

DeLauter has started all four games since returning from the IL, including against two lefties. That likely has something to do with how injured Cleveland is, but it’s nice for fantasy managers to see. The rookie outfielder got off to a scorching start to 2026, but he’s mostly cooled since. DeLauter’s contact and plate discipline skills are strong. He’ll need to improve his batted-ball impact to take the next step in the majors.

DeLauter returned from a rib fracture last week, but continues to DH as he works his way back. The 24-year-old outfielder had two hits Monday, including an RBI double in the fifth inning that put the Guardians ahead 2-1. He’s hitting .269 with a .755 OPS and 37 RBI.

DeLauter delivered in his return from the injured list on Sunday, starting with a base hit in the seventh. He then drove in two runs on a hit to tie the game in the eighth with two outs. The 24-year-old outfielder is a welcome addition back into the lineup, he’s hitting .265/.338/.408 with seven homers, 25 runs scored, and 36 RBI across 275 plate appearances so far.

The 24-year-old outfielder returns after missing a couple of weeks due to a right rib fracture. The rookie sensation returns to a .263/.337/.408 slash line with seven homers and two steals in 270 plate appearances across 66 games. Petey Halpin was optioned to Triple-A Columbus in a corresponding move on Sunday.

Guardians skipper Stephen Vogt told reporters that DeLauter remains without a firm return timetable but they’re optimistic he’ll be ready at some point during their upcoming homestand, which kicks off on Friday against the Mariners. The 24-year-old rookie sensation is working his way back from a small fracture in his right ribs and has already progressed to hitting, throwing and running. He’s trending towards making it back to Cleveland by the end of June.

DeLauter will require some extra time off to rest and recover after imaging earlier this week revealed a bone bruise and a small fracture in his right ribs. Guardians manager Stephen Vogt expressed optimism on Tuesday that DeLauter could potentially be able to manage the injury and play through it, but the club has opted against taking that route. The 24-year-old has cooled off considerably after a surreal start to the year, but has still put together a sensation rookie campaign so far, slashing .263/.337/.408 with seven homers and two steals in 270 plate appearances in 66 games. There is no timetable for his return but fantasy managers shouldn’t anticipate a lengthy absence.

DeLauter was unavailable to pinch-hit during Tuesday’s contest against the Brewers after an MRI revealed a bone bruise and a small fracture in his right ribcage. Guardians manager Stephen Vogt told reporters he believes DeLauter will be able to play through the issues but didn’t rule out the possibility of a trip to the injured list. The 24-year-old rookie was able to participate in baseball activities prior to the game, which is a positive sign. There should be a clearer indication concerning his next steps at some point later this week.

Guardians manager Stephen Vogt told reporters DeLauter underwent imaging that revealed a bone bruise and a small fracture in his right ribcage. He’s day-to-day and could potentially play through the issues, but a trip to the injured list remains a possibility. He was likely to open this contest on the bench anyway with lefty Robert Gasser taking the hill for Milwaukee. It’ll be veteran David Fry heading out to right field in his place. There should be a clearer idea regarding the 24-year-old rookie sensation’s outlook later this week.

DeLauter left Saturday’s game with a bruised right ribcage after crashing into the outfield wall during the top half of the first inning. He underwent a precautionary MRI and CT scan on Saturday, the Guardians are still working through the results. Manager Stephen Vogt told reporters on Sunday that they expect to have more information on his status over the next day or so. Fantasy managers relying on DeLauter for next week may want to have a contingency option in place in the event that he winds up on the injured list.

DeLauter sustained the injury crashing into the wall in the top of the first and then left for a pinch-runner after singling in the bottom of the inning. It’s just the second injury of note for DeLauter this season; he missed one game in the second week of the season after fouling a ball off his foot. DeLauter’s 71 games this season are already a career high as a pro; in the minors, he played in 57 games in 2021, 39 in 2024 and 42 last year.