The Guardians are trying to keep Chase DeLauter off the injured list, and for now they’re holding out hope that the rookie outfielder’s right wrist will improve enough to get him back in the lineup soon.
Manager Stephen Vogt said DeLauter remained day to day after missing four straight games, but the latest signs have been encouraging.
“He had a better day yesterday. Hoping for a better one today,” Vogt said. “We’re optimistic he can be back in there soon.”
DeLauter has been one of Cleveland’s most productive bats, hitting .294 with an .823 OPS, 13 home runs and 60 RBI. He’s also been scorching over the past few weeks, going 26-for-66 (.394) across his last 17 games and batting .363 in August.
The wrist issue has been more of a problem at the plate than in the field, according to Vogt, and the Guardians aren’t interested in forcing the issue with the postseason race entering its final stretch.
“It’s not like he just felt some soreness. I mean, it’s been a couple days,” Vogt said.
“There’s something real there. We have to make sure that we don’t bring him back too soon and make it worse.”
DeLauter was set to go through pregame work Tuesday before the team decided whether he might be available off the bench.
“He’s trending really well and just not quite over the hump yet,” Vogt said.
There was also movement with first baseman Rhys Hoskins, who is starting to ramp up baseball activities as he comes back from lower back inflammation. Hoskins has been on the 10-day injured list since Aug. 19 and has missed 19 games, while Cleveland has gone 12-7 without him.
“He’s feeling better each day,” Vogt said. Asked whether there is still enough time for Hoskins to return this season, Vogt said, “We’re hoping so. Again, we got to get him to the point where he feels like he’s ready to go play, and we’re not there yet.”
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