BALTIMORE -- While Chase DeLauter was out of the Guardians’ starting lineup for the third straight game on Monday due to a right wrist sprain, all indications are the rookie outfielder is moving in a positive direction.
Manager Stephen Vogt said Monday that DeLauter is “feeling a lot better” and remains day to day. The 24-year-old took fly balls in right field at Camden Yards before the Guardians' series opener against the Orioles, and he was also scheduled to hit.
The former was an encouraging visual, and the latter will be a good litmus test to see where DeLauter is physically. In any case, Vogt reaffirmed the Guardians are still not viewing this as an injured list situation.
“Yeah, it's very much day to day,” Vogt said. “This is very much day to day. He's trending really well.”
DeLauter started both halves of the Guardians’ doubleheader against the Tigers on Friday, in right field in Game 1 and as the DH in Game 2. He sprained his wrist in the third inning of the nightcap, and felt the issue when he struck out swinging on a changeup from lefty Andrew Sears on the inner half of the plate.
Travis Bazzana pinch-hit for DeLauter in the sixth inning.
The Guardians (73-71) entered Monday with a one-game lead over the Blue Jays (72-72) for the final American League Wild Card spot, while also sitting 2 1/2 games behind the AL Central-leading White Sox (75-68). DeLauter has been a major reason why; he has been Cleveland’s most consistent hitter this season.
DeLauter, who’s a contender in a loaded AL Rookie of the Year Award race, has slashed .294/.365/.458 with 28 doubles, 13 home runs, 60 RBIs, 51 walks and 74 strikeouts. He’s played 120 games, which is his professional career high after he dealt with myriad injury setbacks in the Minor Leagues.
The Guardians have kept DeLauter’s workload front of mind since they opened Spring Training in February, and the club has been mindful of him physically all season. They operated with caution when he had left hamstring tightness last month. DeLauter was out of the starting lineup for the series against the Giants and Angels; he pinch-hit in the final two games in Anaheim.
Ensuring DeLauter is healthy for the Guardians’ final push toward securing a postseason spot, and any playoff run thereafter, is a top priority.