GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- The Guardians have noted on several occasions they intend to be mindful about Chase DeLauter’s workload this spring due to his injury history. That plan came into action during Wednesday’s Cactus League matchup against the Rangers.
DeLauter was a late scratch from the Guardians’ lineup against Texas due to lower body soreness, stemming from heavy on-field activity to open camp, according to the team. It was considered precautionary.
DeLauter (who’s ranked as the No. 46 prospect in the Majors by MLB Pipeline) was set to start in right field and hit second, which would have marked his third appearance this spring. Petey Halpin instead drew the start in right.
DeLauter has been limited to 138 career games in the Minor Leagues since Cleveland selected him 16th overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, having missed extensive time due to injuries. Last season, he played in 42 games while undergoing core muscle surgery in March and surgery in July to repair a fractured hamate in his right wrist.
DeLauter, of course, went on to make his big league debut in the AL Wild Card Series. He started in center field in Games 2 and 3.
Some of DeLauter’s past injuries have been flukey in nature, and he noted at the start of camp he wants to show this year that he can play a full season. The Guardians are excited about the potential impact he could have in the Majors this year, but will continue to be thoughtful about his ramp-up this spring as Cactus League play continues.