Cleveland Guardians Rookie Chase DeLauter’s Stellar MLB Debut
It’s tough to imagine a more thrilling Major League Baseball debut than what Chase DeLauter had with the Cleveland Guardians.
During the Guardians’ 6-4 win over the Seattle Mariners on Thursday at T-Mobile Park, DeLauter hit two home runs in his first game, marking him as the sixth player to achieve this feat. Though he had previously played in last fall’s American League Wild Card Series, he emphasized that his regular-season debut would hold a special place in his memory.
“That was something I’ll never forget,” DeLauter reflected on his postseason experience. “But I won’t forget this one either, for sure.”
In his first at-bat, the 24-year-old sent a 358-foot home run soaring off Mariners pitcher Logan Gilbert’s 85-mph slider, giving the Guardians an initial 1-0 lead. With this hit, he became just the fifth player in the franchise’s long history to hit a home run during his inaugural regular-season at-bat, the first since John Kensi Noel in June 2024.
DeLauter’s second home run came in the ninth inning when he drove a cutter from reliever Cooper Criswell a remarkable 422 feet into right-center field, a crucial insurance run that extended the Guardians’ lead to 6-4.
“He’s not from this planet,” reliever Eric Sablowski reportedly commented about DeLauter.
On the night, DeLauter ended with three hits in five at-bats, tying him with veteran Reece Hoskins for the most hits on the team. Hoskins noted his impressive composure during such a pivotal game for the franchise.
“Maybe he doesn’t know. Perhaps ignorance is bliss?” Hoskins mused. “But to keep such a calm demeanor on Opening Day, it’s impressive, especially with the buzz surrounding our team’s accomplishments last year.”
DeLauter, eager to contribute, mentioned how being sidelined with injuries previously kept him from playing in more games – just 138 in three seasons with the club.
“I’m really excited to be playing meaningful baseball again,” he stated, highlighting his enthusiasm for being part of the team.
The Guardians are looking to build on this promising start when they face the Mariners again on Friday at 9:45 p.m. ET.
