Guardians’ Chase DeLauter Aims for Return Against Cubs in Home Opener

Chase DeLauter hopes to be back in Cleveland’s lineup for Friday’s home opener against the Cubs at Progressive Field. He left Tuesday night’s 4-1 loss to the Dodgers after fouling a pitch off his left ankle in the first inning.

Injury and medical update

X-rays taken Tuesday night showed no fracture. DeLauter and the team described the exam as encouraging. He and staff believe the issue is a bone bruise or contusion rather than a break.

DeLauter tried to continue his at-bat after the foul. He grounded out to second, then slowed while running and went to the dugout. He had difficulty running and left the game.

Previous foot history

The left foot has surgical history. DeLauter underwent one surgery while at James Madison University. He had a second procedure in 2023 after the Guardians selected him in the 2022 first round.

That history made the negative X-rays especially welcome. The team plans to monitor him closely before the home opener.

Recovery plan and timeline

Manager Stephen Vogt said DeLauter had a scheduled off day on Wednesday. The club is using an off-day Thursday for treatment and evaluation.

DeLauter expects to aim for a return by the Progressive Field opener versus the Cubs. The Guardians finish a seven-game, season-opening trip with Wednesday’s game in Los Angeles.

Early-season performance

DeLauter produced an immediate impact in Seattle. He went 6-for-17 with four home runs and four RBIs during the four-game series.

He became the first Cleveland player to hit two homers in his first official major league game. He launched four homers in his first three games and earned American League Player of the Week honors.

That award marked the first time a Cleveland player earned the honor in the season’s opening week since Albert Belle in 1995.

• Incident: Foul tip off left ankle, first inning versus Dodgers (Shohei Ohtani pitch).
• Medical: X-rays negative; suspected bone bruise/contusion.
• History: Two prior surgeries on left foot (James Madison University; 2023).
• Timeline: Off day Wednesday; treatment Thursday; targeting home opener return.
• Early stats: 6-for-17, four homers, four RBI in Seattle series.

Filmogaz.com will continue to follow updates on DeLauter’s status and the Guardians’ lineup decisions ahead of the home opener.