UPDATE: Cleveland Guardians outfielder Chase DeLauter has undergone wrist surgery to address a fractured hamate bone in his right wrist, according to reports just confirmed on Wednesday. The promising prospect is now sidelined for an estimated six to eight weeks, potentially impacting his return for the critical final weeks of the regular season.
The surgery was performed by Dr. Thomas Graham at Jefferson Orthopedics in Philadelphia after an MRI and clinical evaluation indicated the need for immediate intervention. DeLauter, ranked as the Guardians’ No. 2 prospect by ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel, has not played since July 12, 2023.
In his recent stint at Triple-A Columbus, the 2022 first-round draft pick showcased impressive stats, hitting .278 with 8 doubles, 5 home runs, and 21 RBIs over just 34 games. His consistent performance raised questions about a possible call-up to the major league team, making this injury a significant blow for both DeLauter and the Guardians.
This latest setback adds to DeLauter’s injury history; he faced multiple stints on the injured list last season and missed the beginning of this year due to a sports hernia sustained during spring training. Fans and analysts alike are anxiously awaiting news of his recovery and potential return to the diamond.
As the Guardians look toward the last stretch of the season, DeLauter’s absence will be felt, emphasizing the need for depth in the outfield. Stay tuned for updates on his recovery timeline and the impact on the Guardians’ playoff aspirations.
