Guardians' DeLauter Hits 5th HR in 7th Career Game

Rookie right fielder continues power surge despite minor foot injury

Apr. 3, 2026 at 11:03pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a baseball player's swing, with sharp planes of color and overlapping perspectives conveying the explosive power and momentum of the moment.A Cubist interpretation of a young power hitter's breakout start, capturing the raw energy and dynamism of his swing.Cleveland Today

Cleveland Guardians rookie right fielder Chase DeLauter hit his fifth home run in just his seventh career regular-season game, tying the second-most homers in a player's first seven games since 1900. DeLauter's power surge continued despite him leaving a game earlier in the week with a left foot contusion after fouling a pitch off his back foot.

Why it matters

DeLauter's impressive start to his MLB career has drawn comparisons to other young power hitters like Trevor Story, who burst onto the scene with the Colorado Rockies. The Guardians are hoping DeLauter can provide a consistent power threat in their lineup as they look to build on last season's playoff appearance.

The details

After grounding out following the foul ball that caused his foot contusion, DeLauter left the game but was expected to return for the Guardians' home opener against the Chicago Cubs on Friday. He did indeed return to the lineup and delivered another home run in Cleveland's 4-1 win.

  • On Tuesday, DeLauter fouled a pitch off his back foot, causing a left foot contusion.
  • On Wednesday, DeLauter did not play in the series finale against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
  • On Friday, DeLauter returned to the lineup for the Guardians' home opener against the Cubs.

The players

Chase DeLauter

A 24-year-old rookie right fielder for the Cleveland Guardians who has hit 5 home runs in his first 7 career regular-season games.

Stephen Vogt

The manager of the Cleveland Guardians.

Trevor Story

A power-hitting shortstop who hit 7 home runs in the first 7 games of his rookie season with the Colorado Rockies, the most in that span since at least 1900.

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What they’re saying

“DeLauter was supposed to be off regardless.”

— Stephen Vogt, Guardians Manager

What’s next

The Guardians will continue their home series against the Cubs, hoping DeLauter can build on his hot start to the season.

The takeaway

Chase DeLauter's power-hitting exploits in the early stages of his MLB career have drawn comparisons to other young stars, and the Guardians are excited to see if he can sustain this pace and provide a consistent power threat in their lineup.