Guardians' Chase DeLauter set to return from foot injury vs Cubs

Rookie outfielder was off to a hot start before suffering a contusion, will DH in home opener

Apr. 3, 2026 at 4:54pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a baseball player in motion, their form broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color, conveying the dynamic energy of the sport.A cubist interpretation of a promising young Guardians slugger's return to action after a brief injury scare.Cleveland Today

Cleveland Guardians rookie outfielder Chase DeLauter, who got off to a blistering start with four home runs in the first three games, is set to return to the lineup on Friday against the Chicago Cubs after missing a game with a foot contusion. Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said DeLauter was available to pinch-hit in the team's previous game against the Dodgers, but his services were not needed in the 4-1 victory.

Why it matters

DeLauter's early-season power surge has been a bright spot for the Guardians, a small-market franchise that often has to get creative to generate offense. His return to the lineup will be a boost as the team opens its home schedule against the Cubs.

The details

DeLauter fouled a Shohei Ohtani fastball off his foot in a previous game, causing him to limp to first base. X-rays confirmed he had only suffered a contusion, allowing for a quick turnaround. The 24-year-old rookie will serve as the designated hitter and bat second in Friday's home opener against the Cubs.

  • DeLauter suffered the foot injury on April 2nd.
  • He missed the Guardians' series-clinching 4-1 win over the Dodgers on April 3rd.
  • DeLauter will return to the lineup on April 7th for the Guardians' home opener against the Cubs.

The players

Chase DeLauter

A 24-year-old rookie outfielder for the Cleveland Guardians who got off to a hot start this season, blasting four home runs in the first three games.

Stephen Vogt

The two-time reigning American League Manager of the Year for the Cleveland Guardians.

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What they’re saying

“DeLauter was available to pinch-hit in the rubber match against the Dodgers, but it proved to be unnecessary.”

— Stephen Vogt, Guardians Manager

What’s next

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The takeaway

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