MLB news: Guardians’ Chase DeLauter has historic regular-season debut
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It’s hard to outperform Cleveland Guardians rookie Chase DeLauter in his MLB regular season debut.
In the Guardians’ 6-4 victory over the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on Thursday, DeLauter made two appearances in his regular season debut, becoming the sixth player to do so. The top prospect made his debut in the American League Wild Card Series last fall, so Thursday wasn’t DeLauter’s first taste of big league action, but he said he’ll never forget his regular-season debut.
“It’s something I’ll never forget,” DeLauter said of last year’s postseason debut. “I won’t forget this either, don’t get me wrong.”
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Chase DeLauter of the Cleveland Guardians runs the bases after hitting a solo home run against Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Logan Gilbert in the first inning of an opening day baseball game on March 26, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Lindsey Wasson/AP Photo)
In the first inning, the 24-year-old Mariners starter launched Logan Gilbert’s 85 mph slider 358 feet over the right field wall for his first Major League home run, giving the Guardians a 1-0 lead.
He became the fifth player in Cleveland’s 126-year franchise history to hit a home run in his first career regular season at-bat. He became the first Guardians player to do so since Jhonkensy Noel on June 26, 2024.
DeLauter’s second blast of the game came in the ninth inning, when he crushed Mariners reliever Cooper Criswell’s cutter 422 feet to right-center field, giving the Guardians a crucial insurance run to take a 6-4 lead.
“He’s not from this planet,” DeLauter assistant Erik Sabrowski said. Athletic.
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Chase DeLauter of the Cleveland Guardians runs the bases after hitting a solo home run against Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Logan Gilbert in the first inning of an opening day baseball game on March 26, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Lindsey Wasson/AP Photo)
DeLauter finished the night 3-for-5, which moved him into a tie with veteran slugger Rhys Hoskins for the team lead in hits. Hoskins was particularly impressed with how unimpressed DeLauter was in only his third major league game.
“Maybe he doesn’t know, maybe ignorance is bliss,” Hoskins said. “But for the heart rate to be that slow in a home opener, obviously the whole fan base is excited about what this team was able to accomplish last year. So yeah, it’s really cool.”
DeLauter is with the team and is thrilled to be available. DeLauter played in just 138 games in his three seasons with the organization and suffered constant injuries.
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Chase DeLauter of the Cleveland Guardians celebrates in the dugout after hitting a solo home run against Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Logan Gilbert in the first inning of an opening day baseball game on March 26, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Lindsey Wasson/AP Photo)
“So, I’m excited to be around these guys,” DeLauter said. “I’m really excited to be available. I’m really excited to play meaningful baseball again.”
DeLauter will look to continue his hot start when the Guardians (1-0) rematch the Mariners (0-1) on Friday at 9:45 PM ET.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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