CLEVELAND, Ohio — What I’m hearing about the Guardians:
Chase DeLauter will … need more time in Class AAA. Some fans are in a rush to bring up the elite prospect to play right field right now. DeLauter had surgery for a sports hernia on March 4. He is just starting to play now. He entered the weekend 4 for 17 at Class AAA Columbus. He is still working back from the surgery, and will play 3-5 times a week over the next few weeks.
A fact about DeLauter is … he’s had only 454 total pro plate appearances. Cleveland’s first-round pick in 2022, DeLauter has dealt with foot and toe injuries – including two foot operations. In the spring of 2024, he batted .520 in limited action. DeLauter can hit (.307, 899 OPS in his minor league career), but the Guardians want him strong physically. He’s had only 206 plate appearances above the Class A level. As of now, there are no plans to rush him to Cleveland.
What about … C.J. Kayfus? A third-round pick in 2023, Kayfus is hitting .316 (.920 OPS) with four HR for Columbus. He’s a career .302 hitter (.933 OPS) in 745 minor league plate appearances. He’s a career first baseman. They are trying to turn him into a right fielder. He’s played only 27 pro games in the outfield, including 12 this season. His defense needs work. But he looks like a natural hitter.
David Fry could be back with the Guardians soon, but won’t be able to play the field.Joshua Gunter, cleveland.com
How about … David Fry? He is recovering from Tommy John elbow surgery and close to being back with Cleveland. But Fry in right field? Nope. Due to the surgery, the right-handed hitter who made the All-Star team last year will be limited to being a DH – probably all season.
Do you remember … Juan Brito? Had he remained healthy, it’s likely Brito would have been promoted to Cleveland when Brayan Rocchio was sent to the minors a few weeks ago. Brito opened the season hitting .291 (.897 OPS) for Columbus. But he broke his thumb and had surgery on April 25. He is just returning to baseball activity now. It probably will be a month before he’s playing in games every day.
The point about right field is … there doesn’t seem to be any immediate help, unless the Guardians decide to move up the timetable for Kayfus or DeLauter. Johnathan Rodriguez is batting .318 (.856 OPS) with four HR and 25 RBI at Columbus. He is a right-handed hitting outfielder and could replace Jhonkensy Noel as part of the right field platoon. He is 4 for 22 vs. lefties this season. But in 2024, he batted .376 vs. lefty pitching.
The future for Rodriguez is … to be determined. He was the 2024 MVP of the Class AAA International League, batting .301 (.930 OPS) with 29 HR and 94 RBI. He struggled in a brief look with Cleveland (4 for 31, .161). The Guardians are working on his swing, trying to have him make more contact so it will be more productive in the majors. That’s part of the reason his power numbers are down in the minors. He is only 24 and probably will receive another chance to play in Cleveland.
Angel Martinez is a gifted athlete who has a chance to become a full time center fielder for Cleveland.John Kuntz, cleveland.com
Angel Martinez could be … an answer for center field. Lane Thomas is on the injured list with plantar fasciitis and seeing specialists. It’s unclear when he’ll be back. Martinez is a converted infielder and already a better center fielder than Thomas. A switch-hitter, the 23-year-old Martinez is a fluid athlete who will probably develop some power over the next few years. With All-Star Steven Kwan in left and the emerging Martinez in center, it appears Cleveland has at least two viable MLB outfielders.
When it comes to Nolan Jones … the Guardians will remain patient. In his last 15 games, he is 13 for 41 (.317). All are singles, but at least he’s starting to hit a bit. He had five hits in the last two games. Jones entered the weekend battling .203 (.580 OPS) with only two HR in 151 plate appearances. The Guardians are hoping Jones can claim right field and perform as he did in 2023, when he batted .297 (.931 OPS) with 20 HR for Colorado. But in his last 1 1/2 seasons, he has only five HR in 489 MLB plate appearances.
Whatever happened to … Tyler Freeman? He was traded for Colorado for Jones near the end of spring training. He is hitting .189 (7 for 37) for the Rockies.
Hear me talk:
I’ll be at the Avon Lake Library on June 25 at 6:30 p.m. It’s free. I’ll take questions, meet fans and sign books.