Cleveland Guardians News

CENTRAL

Chase DeLauter • RF • Guardians

Chase DeLauter Returns to Lineup on Friday After Injury Scare

Cleveland Guardians rookie outfielder Chase DeLauter (foot) is back in the lineup for Friday's game against the visiting Chicago Cubs and right-hander Cade Horton, according to MLB.com. DeLauter is serving as the Guardians' designated hitter and will bat second in the lineup. The 24-year-old fouled a ball off his foot in Tuesday's game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, but X-rays came back negative, and he'll serve as the DH for the team's home opener on Friday. The former 16th overall pick in 2022 out of James Madison has been a hot early-season waiver-wire pickup because of his high upside and hot start in 2026. Through his first six major-league games, DeLauter has gone 6-for-22 (.273) with four home runs, five RBI, five runs scored, one walk, and seven strikeouts. Fantasy managers who have DeLauter rostered will want to get him back into their lineups this weekend.

Yesterday

Travis Bazzana • 2B • Guardians

Is Travis Bazzana a Top Stash Option in Deeper Leagues?

Cleveland Guardians second base prospect Travis Bazzana is off to a slow start at Triple-A to begin the 2026 campaign, going 3-for-18 (.167) with no home runs in his first five games, but that doesn't mean his MLB debut isn't just over the horizon. The former first-overall draft pick had a strong spring, going 8-for-21 (.381) with three home runs during the Cactus League, and also belted a homer for Team Australia during the World Baseball Classic. Also, despite the slow start with the bat at Triple-A, the Guardians' top-ranked prospect has five walks compared to four strikeouts. A patient approach is something he's displayed throughout his time in the minors, with a career walk rate of 17.0 percent (MLB average is 8.4 percent) in 116 games. Add in above-average speed, and the left-handed slugger has the makings of a potential multi-category fantasy producer whenever he gets the call to the majors. An early-season debut is well within reach if his bat gets hot, so fantasy managers in redraft leagues will want to keep an eye on his performance these first few weeks at Columbus.

Yesterday

Cade Smith • RP • Guardians |

Cade Smith • SP • Yankees

Cade Smith Allows Another Run, Shaky to Begin Season

Cleveland Guardians relief pitcher Cade Smith allowed a solo home run during Wednesday's outing against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The home run was the only run Smith allowed during his inning of work. However, he has now allowed at least one run in each of his last three appearances. Through four innings of relief work this year, he has allowed four earned runs, five hits, and one walk. He also has three strikeouts and one save. Smith's 3.09 xERA suggests his 9.00 ERA could be a product of bad luck, but the 5.67 FIP and 4.24 xFIP still point to some underlying issues. Loud contact has been a big problem for Smith, who has a mere 28.6% ground ball rate this year (albeit over a small sample size). The 26-year-old righty still ranks as RotoBaller's #3 relief pitcher in fantasy baseball for now, but he'll presumably fall down the rankings if he continues to struggle over a larger sample size.

2 days ago

Gavin Williams • SP • Guardians

Gavin Williams Shuts Down Dodgers, Strikes Out 10 Hitters

Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Gavin Williams had an extremely impressive start against one of the most potent lineups in baseball on Wednesday night to earn his first win of the season. Williams spun seven shutout innings, allowing two hits and three walks to the Dodgers while logging an impressive total of 10 strikeouts. The 26-year-old righty gave up three runs in five innings with six walks against the Mariners in his first start of the season, so this was a huge step in the right direction for Williams, who showed how dominant he can be when at his best. He looks lined up for a two-start week next week, making a home start against the Royals on Tuesday and a road start in Atlanta next Sunday.

2 days ago

Chase DeLauter • RF • Guardians

Chase DeLauter Held Out of Guardians' Lineup on Wednesday

Cleveland Guardians outfielder Chase DeLauter (foot) is not in the lineup for his team's matchup on Wednesday night against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The 24-year-old exited Tuesday's contest early after fouling a ball off his left foot. Initial X-rays on the injury came back negative, so DeLauter will hopefully avoid missing serious time. However, DeLauter has already broken that same left foot twice before, and he has an extensive track record of injuries throughout his professional career. The top prospect is off to an excellent start to the 2026 season, collecting four home runs in his first 23 plate appearances. If DeLauter does end up missing any significant time, Guardians' utility man Daniel Schneeman could be his primary replacement in right field.

2 days ago

Parker Messick • SP • Guardians

Parker Messick a Top Waiver-Wire Pickup After Stellar Season Debut

Cleveland Guardians left-handed pitching prospect Parker Messick should be viewed as a priority waiver wire pickup this week after his strong season debut. On Monday evening, the young southpaw was tasked to face the reigning two-time World Series Champions in Los Angeles. However, Messick looked quite comfortable on the bump, logging six shutout frames. He surrendered just five hits and no walks. He struck out five hitters. Last season, the 25-year-old made his MLB debut and flashed similar upside over a short 39 2/3 inning stint, holding a 2.72 ERA with a 1.31 WHIP. Last summer, Messick spent most of his campaign with Triple-A Columbus, where he held a 3.47 ERA with a 119:42 K:BB. Given his impressive showing against the game's top lineup, Messick should be viewed as a worthy starting pitcher target on the waiver wire.

3 days ago

Chase DeLauter • RF • Guardians

Chase DeLauter Exits Tuesday's Game with Foot Injury, X-Rays Come Back Negative

Cleveland Guardians outfield prospect Chase DeLauter (foot) exited Tuesday's contest against the Los Angeles Dodgers early with a foot injury. However, Andre Knott of FOX 8 reported that the X-rays came back negative, which suggests the budding star avoided a serious injury. DeLauter would leave the contest after fouling a ball off his foot in the opening frame. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status ahead of Wednesday's contest against the Dodgers in case the team opts to lean on the side of caution. Prior to Tuesday, DeLauter was enjoying an incredible start to the season, launching four home runs over his first five contests. If the former 16th overall pick were to miss any time, managers should expect Daniel Schneemann and David Fry to substitute in right field.

3 days ago

Tanner Bibee • SP • Guardians

Tanner Bibee to Start on Tuesday Against Dodgers

Cleveland Guardians right-hander Tanner Bibee (shoulder) has been cleared to make his next start on Tuesday on the road against the Los Angeles Dodgers, according to Paul Hoynes of The Cleveland Plain Dealer. Bibee was pulled from his Opening Day start on Thursday against the Seattle Mariners after allowing three solo home runs due to right-shoulder inflammation. The injury was never considered serious, though, and he has been cleared to start on the road in a very difficult matchup. Fantasy managers in DFS will definitely want to avoid Bibee coming off his shoulder scare against the reigning World Series champions. The three solo shots that Bibee allowed at T-Mobile Park last Thursday night were the only runs he gave up, also walking two and striking out seven in five innings of work in his 2026 season debut.

4 days ago

Austin Hedges • C • Guardians

Austin Hedges Returns From Hand Injury on Monday

Cleveland Guardians catcher Austin Hedges (hand) is back behind the plate to catch left-hander Parker Messick on Monday night and will hit eighth in the batting order for the series opener against the Los Angeles Dodgers and right-hander Roki Sasaki, per MLB.com. It will be Hedges' 2026 season debut after he dealt with a hand injury at the end of spring training. With the 33-year-old veteran back on the field, Bo Naylor will start on the bench. Hedges doesn't offer much offensively, leaving him only worth rostering in the deepest of AL-only and dynasty leagues for catching depth. The 11-year MLB veteran has a career slash line of just .185/.244/.313 with a .556 OPS over 820 games played. Hedges had five home runs and 10 RBI for the Guards last year in 68 regular-season games. He hasn't had double-digit home runs in a season since back in 2021 with Cleveland. Nobody in the Guardians' lineup has faced Sasaki in their careers.

4 days ago

Chase DeLauter • RF • Guardians

Chase DeLauter a Priority Early-Season Pickup After Scorching Start

Cleveland Guardians outfielder Chase DeLauter is off to a red-hot start to the 2026 season, as he's hit four home runs in 14 plate appearances over his first three games of the year. The 24-year-old has also batted second in front of superstar Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez all three contests, a good sign for DeLauter's ability to rack up counting stats. While DeLauter was called up to the big leagues for Cleveland's postseason run in 2025, 2026 represents his first chance to establish himself as an everyday MLB outfielder. Health remains the biggest red flag in DeLauter's profile, as he has failed to reach 250 plate appearances in three consecutive professional seasons and has broken his left foot twice. However, if he can stay healthy, DeLauter could challenge for the American League Rookie of the Year Award. In any fantasy league where DeLauter is not already rostered, he should be a priority waiver wire target.

5 days ago

Tanner Bibee • SP • Guardians

Tanner Bibee Feels Good After Saturday's Bullpen Session

Cleveland Guardians right-hander Tanner Bibee (shoulder) threw a 26-pitch bullpen session on Saturday and felt good, according to Tim Stebbins of MLB.com. Manager Stephen Vogt said that Bibee is still day-to-day, but said that "today was a really good day for Tanner." Bibee was pulled from his Opening Day start on Thursday night against the Seattle Mariners due to right-shoulder inflammation, but the Guardians never believed it was a serious situation. The 27-year-old allowed three solo runs to the Mariners on Thursday in the 6-4 win while also walking two and striking out seven in a no-decision in five innings pitched. Bibee could make his next scheduled start in a tough matchup against the Los Angeles Dodgers, but if the Guards play it safe and push him back, the best bet is that left-hander Logan Allen makes a spot start. Bibee would be a pretty risky fantasy starter on Tuesday if he makes his next start against the back-to-back World Series champions.

6 days ago

Hunter Gaddis • RP • Guardians

Hunter Gaddis Starting Rehab Assignment on Saturday

Cleveland Guardians right-handed reliever Hunter Gaddis (forearm) is starting his minor-league rehab assignment on Saturday with Triple-A Columbus, according to Arthur Kinney of Next Year in Cleveland. Gaddis landed on the 15-day injured list to begin the 2026 season with right-forearm tightness. It's not a serious injury, so Gaddis could be ready to come off the IL when eligible in early April after a couple of rehab outings on the farm. When healthy, the 27-year-old figures to be a high-leverage setup man for Cleveland in front of closer Cade Smith at the back of the bullpen. The former fifth-round pick in 2019 out of Georgia State had a sharp 1.57 ERA in 2024 and posted a 3.11 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, his first three career saves, a career-high 73 strikeouts, and 21 walks in 66 2/3 relief innings in 2025. Gaddis is a solid source of holds for the Guards when he's healthy.

6 days ago

Chase DeLauter • RF • Guardians

Chase DeLauter Goes Deep Again, Remains a Priority Pickup

Cleveland Guardians outfield prospect Chase DeLauter is now up to three home runs on the year after just the first two games of the season after he homered again in the team's 5-1 loss to the Seattle Mariners on Friday night. DeLauter, batting in the two-hole for Cleveland, went 1-for-4 on the night with a solo home run and a strikeout. In his first two games of the 2026 season, the 24-year-old left-handed slugger has gone 4-for-9 with three home runs (all solo jobs). It's been nice to see from the former 16th overall pick in 2022 out of James Madison University in his first taste of major-league pitching. He also looked good at the plate this spring, batting .459/.535/.838 with a 1.373 OPS, three homers, five doubles, 10 RBI, 10 runs scored, six walks, and four strikeouts in 14 Cactus League games. Durability has been an issue for DeLauter in the minors, but for now, fantasy managers need to swoop him up where he's available, as he's looking like a potential early favorite for American League Rookie of the Year if he can stay on the field for Cleveland.

7 days ago

Tanner Bibee • SP • Guardians

Tanner Bibee Day-to-Day, Could Make his Next Start

Cleveland Guardians right-hander Tanner Bibee (shoulder) said he is "doing better" on Friday and threw weighted balls after being pulled from his Opening Day start on Thursday night against the Seattle Mariners with right-shoulder inflammation, according to Tim Stebbins of MLB.com. Manager Stephen Vogt noted that the team is proceeding day to day with Bibee to give him "every chance" to make his next scheduled start. It remains to be seen if Bibee will actually make his next start, but at the very least, the 27-year-old should be able to avoid a trip to the injured list to begin the 2026 campaign. Bibee took a no-decision in Seattle on Thursday night, allowing three solo home runs, walking two, and striking out seven in five innings before being pulled with his shoulder injury. If Bibee misses a start or two, the most likely candidate to replace him in Cleveland's starting rotation is left-hander Logan Allen.

7 days ago

Tanner Bibee • SP • Guardians

Tanner Bibee's Shoulder Issue Not Considered Serious

Cleveland Guardians right-hander Tanner Bibee's right-shoulder issue that forced him out of his Opening Day start early on Thursday night against the Seatle Mariners "doesn't appear serious at this point," according to Tom Withers of The Associated Press. The Guardians will re-evaluate Bibee on Friday, at which point we should have a better idea of whether he might land on the injured list. The Guardians took the cautious approach in Game 1 of the season, but it's possible that left-hander Logan Allen could take Bibee's rotation spot if rest is required. The 27-year-old took a no-decision on Thursday before leaving with a trainer, allowing three solo home runs while walking two and striking out seven in his five innings of work to begin the 2026 campaign. Cleveland called Bibee's injury right-shoulder inflammation on Thursday night. At the very least, Bibee's next start will most likely be pushed back, but he could also go on the IL and miss at least 15 days.

Mar 27

Cade Smith • RP • Guardians |

Cade Smith • SP • Yankees

Cade Smith Locks Down First Save

Cleveland Guardians relief pitcher Cade Smith was tasked with shutting the door on Opening Day. Smith was called upon with a two-run lead in the ninth inning of Thursday's game versus the Seattle Mariners. He retired the side on 13 pitches while striking out one batter to earn his first save of the season. Smith took over the closer role last season following the departure of Emmanuel Clase due to legal troubles. The right-hander recorded a career-high 16 saves during the 2025 campaign. He should easily surpass that number as the clear-cut favorite for saves in Cleveland.

Mar 27

Chase DeLauter • RF • Guardians

Chase DeLauter Launches Two Home Runs, Emerges as Top Waiver-Wire Target

Cleveland Guardians top outfield prospect Chase DeLauter went 3-for-5 with two home runs during his MLB debut on Thursday evening. DeLauter wasted little time making an impact as he hit a solo shot off Seattle ace Logan Gilbert in the opening frame. Later in the ninth inning, DeLauter would hit his second long ball of the game (also a solo blast), this time off Seattle reliever Cooper Criswell. DeLuater turned in a dominant showing in spring training, posting a .459/.535/.838 slash line with three home runs and a 4:6 K:BB, which earned him a starting role on the roster. Given his incredible regular-season debut, DeLauter should remain a staple in the Cleveland lineup for the foreseeable future. He is a top waiver-wire target heading into Week 2.

Mar 27

Tanner Bibee • SP • Guardians

Tanner Bibee Leaves Opening Day Start Early With Shoulder Inflammation

Cleveland Guardians right-hander Tanner Bibee (shoulder) left Thursday night's Opening Day start on the road against the Seattle Mariners with trainer Jeff Desjardins before throwing a pitch in the bottom of the sixth inning with right-shoulder inflammation, according to Tim Stebbins of MLB.com. Before leaving, Bibee had allowed three earned runs on four hits (three solo homers allowed) while walking two and striking out seven in five innings of work. The 27-year-old could go for imaging on Friday to determine the severity of his shoulder injury. Expect the Guardians to proceed with caution with their star pitcher early in the season, which means fantasy managers shouldn't be surprised if Bibee goes on the injured list. Bibee posted a 3.61 ERA (3.83 FIP), 1.17 WHIP, 23.8% strikeout rate, and a 7.0% walk rate in 498 innings over 87 starts in his first three years in Cleveland. He came into the 2026 season just inside RotoBaller's top-50 fantasy starting pitcher rankings. Bibee will need to be stashed in all fantasy formats if he ends up going on the injured list.

Mar 27

Parker Messick • SP • Guardians

Parker Messick's Stock is Rising Entering 2026

Cleveland Guardians left-handed pitching prospect Parker Messick is set to open the 2026 season with a spot in the team's big-league rotation. Messick made his MLB debut in 2025, recording a 3-1 record with a 2.72 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, and 38 strikeouts across 39 2/3 innings (seven starts). While the 25-year-old posted just a 23% strikeout rate in his first taste of the big leagues, he demonstrated more impressive swing-and-miss generation throughout his time in the minors. Across 98 2/3 Triple-A innings in 2025, Messick struck out 29.1% of the batters he faced. In 19 2/3 innings this spring, Messick recorded a 4.12 ERA and 1.22 WHIP with 17 strikeouts. If Messick can hold a spot in the Guardians' rotation throughout 2026, he could emerge as a worthy waiver-wire target for fantasy managers.

Mar 26

Chase DeLauter • RF • Guardians

Chase DeLauter Emerging as a Top Early Season Waiver-Wire Pickup

Cleveland Guardians outfielder Chase DeLauter is having an outstanding spring training and makes a great pickup from the waiver wire or an awesome last-round snag. The 24-year-old lefty hasn't played a regular-season game but made his MLB debut in the playoffs last year. He hit .278 in 34 games at Triple-A with five homers and a .384 wOBA. This spring, DeLauter went 17-for-37 (.459) in his first 14 games with five doubles, three homers, six walks, and just four strikeouts. DeLauter's rise through the minors has been beset by injuries, but when he's healthy, he has proven to be an MLB-ready bat. If you need outfield depth, he makes a great pickup late in drafts and could be one of the hottest names on the waiver wire if he's starting and hitting high in the batting order as expected. If he stays healthy (a huge if so far in his career), he has a great shot at a breakthrough season.

Mar 24

Cleveland Guardians News

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