The Cleveland Guardians added outfielder Chase DeLauter, their No. 2 prospect, to their playoff roster. If he appears in a postseason game, he’d be only the sixth player in major league history to make his debut in a playoff game.
Ryan Weathers, Shane McClanahan, and Alex Kirilloff all debuted in the 2020 postseason; Adalberto Mondesi played his first game in the 2015 World Series; and Mark Kiger played his only career games in the 2006 playoffs.
“It would be an absolute dream come true,” DeLauter said to MLB.com. “It’s a dream come true just to be here and be a part of the team and have a chance to play in some meaningful games. We’ll see what happens.”
Slowed Development
In his redshirt sophomore season at James Madison University in 2022, Chase DeLauter broke his foot and missed most of the season. Despite that, the Guardians liked him enough to draft him in the first round that year. In parts of three years in college, he hit over .400 with a .1.235 OPS.
Unfortunately, the injuries continued in the minor leagues. He missed half of 2023 with toe surgery. In 2024 he spent multiple stints on the IL after a foot injury and a hamstring strain. This year, he had core muscle surgery and hasn’t played in a game since July 11. If it hadn’t been for all the injuries, DeLauter might’ve made his debut earlier this year and been a key part of the Guardians’ lineup.
Disciplined Hitter
DeLauter became a top prospect at JMU and in the minors for his patience and power in the box. In 138 career minor league games, he hit .302 with a .888 OPS. He walked 70 times in 583 plate appearances and struck out just 80 times. He also hit 40 doubles, 20 homers, and drove in 87 runs.
Keith Law of The Athletic called DeLauter’s swing the “worst-looking” among the Guardians’ prospects, but noted that players such as Dustin Pedroia excelled with unusual swings. However, when DeLauter gets a hold of a ball, they tend to get hit hard and go a long way.
Facing a Detroit Tigers team that has nine right-handed pitchers on its postseason roster, the Guardians could use the left-handed DeLauter to pinch-hit late in the game.
He profiles as a corner outfielder defensively. He’s moved to the corners this year after playing center field in college and early in the minors. He’s athletic with a good arm, but his health is the main concern with his development.
DeLauter and the Guardians begin their postseason series against the Tigers on Tuesday and broadcast on ESPN. First pitch is set for 1:08 pm Eastern.
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