CLEVELAND, Ohio — Chris Antonetti opened the door on Saturday — however slightly — Guardians No. 2 prospect Chase DeLauter to become a real option for the club’s big league roster, saying the 2022 first-round pick is, “for the first time… making himself an option for us to consider.”

After battling durability issues early in his professional career, DeLauter has finally reached the point where his body is withstanding the rigors of regular playing time.

“We had a very deliberate buildup in that volume and there were times where his body was more sore than it had been in the past, so we had to pull things back,” Antonetti said. “But now he’s been able to play five or so days a week and not have it impact him negatively.”

DeLauter entered Saturday’s action with a 12-game hitting streak and a run of 25 games reaching base safely.

With his health trending in the right direction and production following suit, DeLauter’s timeline is now less about development and more about opportunity. Where does he fit on the current roster, and whose at-bats would he take?

“There’s just a lot of different considerations that go into any promotion to the major leagues and that’s certainly the same with Chase.

Guardians remain patient as trade deadline chatter increases

While front offices across MLB are beginning to engage in more substantive trade talks, Antonetti downplayed any sense of urgency, noting that “Ninety percent-plus of the deals happen in the last 48 hours” before the deadline.

“The success of our season will be determined by the players in this clubhouse,” Antonetti said. “Whether or not someone comes in or leaves at the deadline won’t define our story.”

Though the club has flexibility, any deadline moves — additions or subtractions — will be weighed carefully against the chemistry and contributions of the current roster, according to Antonetti.

Bo Naylor’s continued struggles at the plate

With Bo Naylor hitting well below expectations offensively, Antonetti pointed out that the Guardians catcher has continued to bring value in other critical ways. That includes being available in the lineup despite dealing with the daily bumps and bruises of life in the majors.

“There’s probably not been a day since Opening Day where he’s felt 100 percent,” Antonetti said. “And yet he continues to lead the pitching staff and separate his offense from his defense, which is a credit to him.”

Naylor has appeared in 20 games in June, batting .137 (7 for 51). His on-base percentage for the month is .241, and his slugging percentage is at .275.

The Guardians are banking on internal improvement from hitters like Naylor and others, much like they saw earlier this year from a previously struggling young rotation.

Shane Bieber’s timeline slows, but optimism remains

Antonetti confirmed that Shane Bieber’s return from reconstructive elbow surgery has been slightly delayed, but the organization remains encouraged by his progress. Bieber threw another bullpen this week and is expected to face live hitters soon.

“Hopefully that path continues,” Antonetti said. “We’re excited about where Shane is, the quality of his stuff, and how he’s feeling.”

The delay doesn’t appear to alter the front office’s outlook for the trade deadline, but his return now likely shifts into late July or early August.

FinallyJuan Brito is ramping up again in Columbus following recovery from thumb surgery; Antonetti said his volume is still building before he can be considered for MLB at-bats.Daniel Espino is not expected to pitch in 2025 as he continues rehabbing from shoulder surgery.Paul Sewald and Trevor Stephan are both pitching in games and inching closer to rejoining the Guardians bullpen.

Generative AI was used to organize information for this post.