Chase

DeLauter

Even though the Guardians only scored three runs in the contest, the Guardians feel like that’s the best possible lineup that they are able to put on the field against an opposing right-hander, so there’s no need to change anything up. Game 3 hero Petey Halpin will start in center field and bat eighth. Here’s the full lineup that they’ll deploy against Rays’ right-hander Nick Martinez as they look to take a commanding 3-1 advantage in the series: Steven Kwan (LF), Jose Ramírez (3B), Chase DeLauter (RF), Jo Adell (DH), Nathaniel Lowe (1B), Travis Bazzana (2B), Patrick Bailey (C), Petey Halpin (CF) and Brayan Rocchio (SS).

DeLauter spearheaded Cleveland’s relentless offensive effort in this one as he tallied three hits, including a sixth-inning solo shot off Rays ace Drew Rasmussen. His most consequential knock was an eighth-inning double that set up a go-ahead two-run single by ensuing batter Nathaniel Lowe. He also drew a walk, reaching base safely in three of his five plate appearances. The 25-year-old rookie has fit perfectly with franchise cornerstone José Ramírez in the heart of Cleveland’s lineup, hitting .333 (8-for-24) with one homer and three RBI this postseason.

Ramírez served as Cleveland’s primary offensive catalyst, sparking a memorable comeback to take down the division-rival White Sox in a decisive Game 5 to reach the ALCS for the first time since 2016. The 34-year-old franchise cornerstone hit .417 (5-for-12) with two homers and seven RBI during the final three games of the series. They’ll face a tough challenge against Rays ace Drew Rasmussen at Tropicana Field to kick off the best-of-seven series. Here’s the full lineup: Steven Kwan (LF), Ramírez (3B), Chase DeLauter (RF), Jo Adell (DH), Nathaniel Lowe (1B), Travis Bazzana (2B), Patrick Bailey (C), Petey Halpin (CF) and Brayan Rocchio (SS).

The Guardians were able to stave off elimination with a victory in Game 3 on Wednesday and they’ll run back an almost identical lineup as they try to do the same in Game 4. The only change will be Hedges catching instead of Patrick Bailey. Here’s the full lineup for the Guardians in a must-win spot against Hagen Smith and company on Thursday evening in Chicago: Steven Kwan (CF), Jose Ramirez (3B), Chase DeLauter (RF), Jo Adell (DH), Nathaniel Lowe (1B), Angel Martinez (LF), Travis Bazzana (2B), Hedges (C) and Brayan Rocchio (SS).

With the American League Central wrapped up, Guardians’ skipper Stephen Vogt is using Sunday as an opportunity to give several of his regulars a day off including Ramírez, Steven Kwan, Chase DeLauter, Patrick Bailey and Brayan Rocchio.

The HBP proved key, as DeLauter went on to score the go-ahead run on Nathaniel Lowe’s sac fly in the ninth. DeLauter upped his average to .292 tonight, placing him third in the AL.

DeLauter put the Guardians on the board with a three-run blast off Jacob Lopez in the first inning. It was just the third home run off a left-handed pitcher for DeLauter. He later singled and scored in the third. The 24-year-old outfielder has hit an outstanding .290/.363/.458 with 15 homers, 59 runs scored, 65 RBI, and 11 steals across 531 plate appearances.

He had sat out Tuesday and Wednesday’s games. DeLauter has been quite dinged up down the stretch; he’s played in just 10 September games so far. But he has hit .243/.333/.432 when able to play, with a homer and two stolen bases. He’s safe to activate in daily transaction leagues against A’s starter Mason Barnett.

We know that DeLauter (wrist) came to the ballpark sore on Tuesday after feeling something in his last at-bat on Monday. He’s listed as day-to-day but has not started in either of the last two games. Petey Halpin will start in center field and bat eighth while Steven Kwan will move to left field.

DeLauter missed four games with the issue earlier this month. With DeLauter day-to-day, the Guardians have Travis Bazzana at DH and Angel Genao at second base tonight.