It was, honestly, a much better opening week for the Guardians than many had anticipated, and there were plenty of positives to come out of it.
Making his (technical) MLB debut on Thursday’s Opening Day, Chase DeLauter shocked the nation and made his name known. In his very first at bat, he launched an 85.3 mph slider from Logan Gilbert into right center field to give the Guardians a 1-0 lead. In the top of the ninth inning, he did it again on an 85.8 mph cutter from Cooper Criswell. On Friday, he decided he’d do it again and clobbered an 87.4 mph slider from George Kirby for another 1-0 lead for the Guards. On Saturday, he decided that wasn’t enough. He took Andrés Muñoz’ 96.6 mph offering 365 feet into left field. With one swing, he made Major League history by becoming one of only two players to hit four home runs in their first three career regular season games (Trevor Story 2016).
Facing a rotation of Logan Gilbert, George Kirby, and Bryan Woo, the Guardians’ odds were not in their favor. Many fans had come to terms with the fact that the team might start the season 0-4. I was one of them. However, we were pleasantly surprised with a 2-2 record that currently has the team in solo-second place in the American League Central. DeLauter’s superstar offensive showing and strong outings from multiple members of the bullpen gave the Seattle Mariners a run for their money and no guaranteed wins (well, except for Sunday). Vibes are great heading into the David vs. Goliath series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
It was a nerve-wracking scene on the mound in the sixth inning of Thursday’s opener as Tanner Bibee exited the game with the team’s trainer. It was later announced that he had left with right shoulder inflammation. While that was worrisome, Bibee shared that he was already feeling better after the game and was throwing weighted balls the following day. He threw a 25-pitch bullpen session on Saturday and said he felt good. He is still day-to-day, but hopes to be able to make his next start.
A lot of teams have their own home run celebrations that are always super fun to watch. Toronto has the home run jacket, the Mariners have the trident, and so on. The Guardians haven’t had a set celebration until now. After his first inning home run on Thursday, he donned a knight’s helmet (is that what you call it?) in the dugout.