Chase DeLauter was the most impactful rookie in the majors during the opening weekend of the season, homering four times and driving in five runs over his first three games with the Cleveland Guardians.
Things haven’t gone nearly as well since then. However, they might be trending upward as the Guardians conclude a seven-game homestand Wednesday afternoon against the Houston Astros.
Cleveland’s Tanner Bibee (0-2, 4.81 ERA) will start the afternoon contest against Houston’s Peter Lambert (0-1, 7.20) in a battle of right-handers.
DeLauter recorded a go-ahead, three-run triple in the eighth inning on Tuesday to help Cleveland rally to an 8-5 victory over Houston. The Guardians scored a season-high six times in the inning.
“It’s no secret he hasn’t gotten results, but this kid is a good hitter,” Cleveland manager Stephen Vogt said. “Chase stepped up in a huge way, backing up a fastball with a two-strike count. It was a cool moment for him.”
DeLauter was in a 1-for-26 slump when he sent a sinking liner toward the foul line in left, where Brice Matthews was unable to reach the ball in time.
DeLauter was batting .140 with four RBIs in his previous 14 games, dropping his season average to .219.
“Obviously, it’s not been the most ideal last two weeks or so,” DeLauter said. “But I’ve had the rest of the guys behind my back. And when you show up in the box, anything can happen.
“It’s been cold, there’s been a lot of stuff going on, so play the game and let’s see what happens.”
Bibee, who was considered the staff ace two years ago, also could be turning the corner after tossing six scoreless innings against the Baltimore Orioles last Friday. He had a bloated 6.38 ERA in his first four starts this spring.
In three career games against Houston, Bibee has 13 strikeouts over 16 innings and a 4.50 ERA without a decision.
The Astros won six of their first nine games but since have gone 3-13. They have split their first two matchups in Cleveland, taking the opener 9-2 on Monday behind a strong start from winning pitcher Spencer Arrighetti.
Second baseman Jose Altuve became the third player to play in 2,000 career games with Houston, going 0-for-5 Tuesday, while American League homer (10) and RBI (24) leader Yordan Alvarez extended his hitting streak to eight with two hits and three RBIs.
Astros manager Joe Espada was more focused on another number: 16. That’s how many players the team has on the injured list after outfielder Taylor Trammell (left groin strain) was hurt in Cleveland.
“It (stinks) because he has been grinding for two years, and given us some quality at-bats and was playing really good in the field,” Espada said. “It’s going to take some time for him to get back.”
Houston appears to have avoided a 17th IL stint as postgame X-rays to the left hand of outfielder Dustin Harris were negative. He exited after being hit by a pitch from Parker Messick, prompting Espada to tell his players to “be smart about” handling any further minor injuries.
Lambert made his first big league appearance since 2024 on Friday, giving up four runs in five innings in a loss to the St. Louis Cardinals. His only outing against the Guardians came two years ago with the Colorado Rockies, losing in relief by allowing one run in two innings in a 13-7 game.
–Field Level Media
