For the first time since the 2026 season began, Chase DeLauter will not be in the Cleveland Guardians starting lineup.
Through the first six games of the year, the rookie sensation has hit second in the batting order as the team’s right fielder or designated hitter. But with the Guardians going for a series victory against the Los Angeles Dodgers, he’ll be in the dugout watching.
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The big concern is that DeLauter exited Tuesday night’s game after hitting a Shohei Ohtani foul ball off his foot, and limped back into the dugout and immediately down into the locker room.
However, that isn’t entirely the reason that DeLauter is out of the lineup for the series finale.
Stephen Vogt said that Wednesday was always going to be an off day for DeLauter; it just so happens that it coincides with his early exit on Tuesday.
“Chase is obviously sore, but negative on the x-rays,” said Cleveland’s skipper after Tuesday’s loss.
“Tomorrow [Wednesday] was a planned off day for Chse anyway. So this will him two days off. He wasn’t going to be in the lineup tomorrow anyway.”
Mar 28, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Cleveland Guardians designated hitter Chase DeLauter (24) celebrates while rounding the bases after hitting a two-run home run during the tenth inning against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images
Vogt called DeLauter’s injury simply a foot contusion, which is the best possible news for the Guardians and DeLauter, who is no stranger to missing games due to ailments.
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DeLauter’s biggest concern throughout his career has been his injuries, which included the same foot being affected on Tuesday night. Back in 2023, DeLauter had surgery on his foot after an injury he suffered in college, and he injured it again in 2024.
It sounds like DeLauter has avoided a lengthy absence with this last incident.
A trip to the injured list this early in the season would not only have been devastating for DeLauter but also for Cleveland’s offense, too.
The rookie has easily been the best hitter on the team in the young season and owns a 1.122 OPS over his first 22 regular-season at-bats, and helped the Guardians split their series against the Seattle Mariners with multiple historic performances.
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As Vogt pointed out, DeLauter will have two full days off, not playing on Wednesday, and the Guardians will have an off day on Thursday as they travel back to Cleveland ahead of Friday’s home opener.
It seems like DeLauter is on track to be right back in the lineup in the next 48 hours for Cleveland’s series opener against the Chicago Cubs.
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