The Sleeper and the Bust Episode: 1384 – OF Preview Pt. 2

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March 4, 2025

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Approximately 82 minutes of joyous analysis.

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Paul is the Editor of Rotographs and Content Director for OOTP Perfect Team. Follow Paul on Twitter @sporer and on Twitch at sporer.

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Manco
8 months ago

Here’s my optimistic take for DeLauter. It’s worth noting DeLauter will be in AAA waiting for Noel, Brennan, and Rodriguez to figure out RF for most of this season regardless. This’ll be speculation but maybe this is something DeLauter and the Guardians have discussed and agreed getting the surgery now makes sense.

DeLauter requiring Hernia surgery likely means he’s needed it for awhile as typically it starts small and tolerance wanes to worsening. Had he kept playing, it would’ve become an issue further down the line, which might’ve arrested any momentum he could’ve built this spring when he reaches the bigs.

Instead, the surgery puts him starting in June. He’ll need some time in AAA to get back, while this happens The Guardians will have had plenty of time to figure out their logjam at RF, basically whether Noel can become a DH hitter. DeLauter then builds some momentum in the summer, get’s healthy for late call up (to preserve prospect status) for potential playoff run and earning the job next spring.

It feels like a win-win for both sides. DeLauter has a timeline and path to health, and Guardians buy time and aren’t forced to give up his prospect comp if he debuts in ’26.
This hurts DeLauter’s injury history if this injury is protective, it shouldn’t be a knock against his durability.

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Paul SporerFanGraphs Staff
8 months ago
Reply to  Manco

Great stuff here. I definitely hope you’re right, bc I really love DeLauter and want him to be healthy & thrive!!

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