Guardians Make Chase DeLauter Decision on Sunday

Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Guardians Make Chase DeLauter Decision on Sunday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Miracle Dimwesh | Last updated Jun 28, 2026 4:08 PM ET

Cleveland Guardians outfielder Chase DeLauter has been activated from the 10-day injured list Sunday, returning one of the club's top young hitters after missing time with a small rib fracture and bone bruising. Outfielder Petey Halpin was optioned to Triple-A Columbus in a corresponding move.

DeLauter is available immediately after being sidelined since colliding with the right-field wall during a June 20 game against the Detroit Tigers. He was placed on the injured list June 24, retroactive to June 21.

Although he became eligible to return after the minimum stay, the club waited until he was fully medically cleared before activating him. Manager Stephen Vogt had previously said the organization wanted to complete multiple imaging tests before determining the severity of the injury, which ultimately revealed a small rib fracture and localized bone bruising rather than simple inflammation.

We’ve activated Chase DeLauter.#GuardsBall pic.twitter.com/2UyW9WBAgS
— GuardsInsider (@GuardsInsider) June 28, 2026

The 24-year-old made an immediate impact after reaching the big leagues earlier this season, hitting .357 with a .438 on-base percentage, four home runs and five RBIs in his first three games.

His historic opening series also earned him American League Player of the Week honors after he tied Trevor Story as the only players since 1900 to hit four home runs in their first three career big-league games.

DeLauter was selected 16th overall by Cleveland in the 2022 MLB Draft out of James Madison. Across 138 minor league games, he batted .302 with 20 home runs and 87 RBIs before making his long-awaited debut.

While injuries limited his development in the minors, the Guardians have continued to view him as one of the organization's highest-upside position players given his combination of power and on-base ability.

Cleveland Guardians right fielder Chase DeLauter (24)Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

His absence forced Cleveland to rely more heavily on Steven Kwan, David Fry and Halpin in the outfield while searching for consistent production during a tightly contested American League Central race. DeLauter's return restores one of the club's most dangerous power bats and gives Vogt another impact option near the top of the lineup.

If he can quickly rediscover the form he showed during his remarkable debut, DeLauter could become one of the more important pieces of the Guardians' lineup throughout the second half of the season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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