Guardians rookie Chase DeLauter avoids major setback with rib injury

The Cleveland Guardians received needed relief Tuesday after imaging confirmed Chase DeLauter has a right rib cage contusion, making the rookie outfielder’s injury less severe than initially feared.

DeLauter suffered the injury Saturday over the weekend at Progressive Field while tracking a fly ball vs. the Detroit Tigers. He crashed into the wall, creating immediate concern for a Cleveland squad already dealing with several injuries.

MRI and CT results ruled out a more serious issue, but the slugger remains day-to-day. That status keeps the Guardians’ roster depth in focus as the team evaluates his pain tolerance before each game.

In an article published by MLB.com’s Zach Sweet, Guardians manager Stephen Vogt explained how the club will handle DeLauter’s availability while continuing to monitor the rookie’s rib discomfort.

“Definitely something, to [pain] tolerance, he could play through,” Vogt said. “We just have to weigh out day to day how it’s feeling.”

The cautious approach makes sense because Cleveland cannot afford another extended absence. Jose Ramirez underwent surgery on Tuesday for a left hamate fracture, while Angel Martinez landed on the 10-day injured list with a foot fracture.

Those injuries create real lineup pressure. Ramirez could miss at least five to seven weeks, and Martinez is expected to miss four to six weeks. DeLauter avoiding the injured list would help stabilize the outfield picture.

Still, the Guardians must avoid rushing a young player through pain that limits his swing or defense. Vogt’s comments suggest the team will balance short-term lineup needs with long-term development.

After Tuesday’s 2-1 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers, Cleveland fell to 39-34. The Guardians have gone 3-7 over their last 10 games and remain locked in a tight AL Central race.

With multiple regulars unavailable, even a day-to-day designation gives the club some flexibility during a difficult June stretch. For now, DeLauter’s injury appears manageable, which gives the Guardians one less concern as they try to steady a shorthanded roster and remain within reach in the division race.

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