Cleveland Guardians’ top prospect Chase DeLauter will be out for 8-12 weeks following surgery for a sports hernia.
According to a statement from the team, “DeLauter was seen yesterday by Dr. William Meyers in Philadelphia to confirm the presence of a left-sided core muscle injury (sports hernia), sustained during defensive work during the February 28 pregame team workout.”
The outfielder underwent surgery on Tuesday morning to repair the bilateral core muscle and is set to return to Goodyear, Arizona later this week to begin his rehabilitation.
Injuries have plagued DeLauter throughout his career. Last season, the 23-year-old played just 39 games across Triple-A Columbus, Double-A Akron, and the Arizona Complex League. He fractured a bone in his left foot in April while running the bases, returned for a single game on May 28, but was sidelined again in June with a sprained right big toe. He ended the season with a .261 batting average, eight home runs, and 37 hits.
The Guardians will now have to adjust their plans as they await DeLauter’s recovery and return to action.
