Chase DeLauter thrives in Guardians' No. 2 spot

Rookie outfielder has fit nicely in the troublesome lineup position so far this season

Mar. 29, 2026 at 2:18am

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Rookie outfielder Chase DeLauter has been thriving in the Guardians' No. 2 spot in the lineup, hitting .444 with three home runs and three RBIs through the first two games of the season. Manager Stephen Vogt experimented with DeLauter in the No. 2 hole during spring training, where he hit .459 with three homers and eight RBIs, and has kept him there to start the regular season.

Why it matters

The No. 2 spot in the Guardians' lineup has been a troublesome position in recent years, so Vogt's decision to place the promising rookie DeLauter there could pay dividends if he continues his hot start at the plate.

The details

Vogt said batting DeLauter second between Steven Kwan and Jose Ramirez was an 'organic' move, as he wants his top hitters in the top three spots of the lineup. Vogt noted that the lineup could look different against left-handed starters, but for now DeLauter appears to be a good fit in the No. 2 hole.

  • Through the first two games of the 2026 season, DeLauter is hitting .444 (4 for 9) with three homers and three RBIs.
  • In spring training, while spending most of his time in the No. 2 spot, DeLauter hit .459 (17 for 37) with three homers and eight RBIs.

The players

Chase DeLauter

A rookie outfielder for the Guardians who has thrived in the No. 2 spot in the lineup to start the 2026 season.

Stephen Vogt

The manager of the Guardians, who has experimented with DeLauter in the No. 2 hole and decided to keep him there to start the regular season.

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What they’re saying

“Last year it was really hard for us to find stability in the No. 2 hole. It seemed pretty organic to me. You want your top hitters hitting in the top three spots.”

— Stephen Vogt, Guardians Manager

“Not that we know Chase is going to be one of our top three hitters, but it looks like he's going to fit in there quite well against righties.”

— Stephen Vogt, Guardians Manager

What’s next

Vogt said the lineup could look different against left-handed starters, so it will be interesting to see if DeLauter remains in the No. 2 spot in those games.

The takeaway

DeLauter's hot start in the No. 2 spot has provided stability to a troublesome position in the Guardians' lineup, and his continued production there could be a key factor in the team's early-season success.