The Cleveland Guardians will enter their game against the Athletics on Friday night tied with the Chicago White Sox for first place in the American League Central division. It is worth mentioning that the White Sox hold the tiebreaker with the Guards. Cleveland is looking to win the division, and the team received news on Friday that will help them against the Athletics. Chase DeLauter, who has been dealing with a wrist injury concern, is back in the lineup. DeLauter is hitting third and playing right field.
The bad news is that Angel Martinez, who has been dealing with right flank inflammation, has yet to return to the lineup. Nevertheless, DeLauter's return is crucial.
DeLauter, a 24-year-old outfielder, has hit .289/.362/.453 with an .815 OPS, 14 home runs, 28 doubles, three triples and 11 stolen bases. He's appeared in 125 games so far in his rookie season. While he may not win the American League Rookie of the Year Award â DeLauter's teammate Parker Messick as well as the Detroit Tigers' Kevin McGonigle are the strongest candidates right now â he has unquestionably made a significant impact in his first MLB season.
Cleveland will host the Athletics in the first contest of a three-game series on Friday. The Guardians' schedule is fairly favorable to conclude the year, but their final two series are on the road. Their first series next week is their most difficult remaining matchup, as they will play the Red Sox in Boston for three games. The Guards' season will end next weekend with a three-game series against the Royals in Kansas City.