Full Breakdown
Guardians Place Rookie Outfielder Chase DeLauter on Injured List, Recall Kahlil Watson
6/18/2026, 11:31:38 PM
DeLauter to IL, Watson Recalled
On June 17, 2026, the Cleveland Guardians placed rookie outfielder Chase DeLauter on the 10-day injured list for a right-side rib fracture. The move follows his collision with the outfield wall during a 3-1 win over Detroit. The club recalled outfielder Kahlil Watson from Triple-A Columbus; Watson has not yet debuted in majors.
Injury Spree After Detroit Win
The same game also injured two hitters. Seven-time All-Star third baseman José Ramírez suffered a broken hamate bone and underwent surgery, with a five-to-seven-week recovery. Outfielder Angel Martínez sustained a non-displaced left-foot fracture, sideling him four to six weeks. The trio left Cleveland without three top offensive contributors.
Impact on Players
DeLauter was batting .263/.337 with seven homers and 34 RBIs in 66 games. Ramirez posted .239/.339 with 10 HR and 33 RBI in 72 games before surgery. Martínez hit .239/.276 with 11 HR and 33 RBI in 66 games. Watson, recalled from Triple-A, had a .255/.370 line with 12 HR, 35 RBI and 15 steals in 56 games, posting a .861 OPS.
Team Statements & Concerns
The Guardians announced DeLauter’s IL placement and Watson’s promotion. Manager Stephen Vogt said DeLauter “could potentially even play through the injury with enough tolerance,” but the club chose rest. Analysts noted the team “already struggles offensively” and will be “desperate for offensive help” without three leading hitters.
Conflicting Reports
Sources differ on DeLauter’s return. Rotoballer and Athlon cite June 24 as the earliest date; other outlets give no timetable. Most reports call it a “rib fracture,” while Reuters uses “ribcage fracture.” ESPN says Ramirez’s hamate broke in his left hand, whereas Sports Illustrated says it was his right wrist.
Quotes
- “Out in Milwaukee, the Guardians recalled Khalil Watson from Triple-A Columbus while placing Chase DeLauter (right side rib fracture) on the 10-day injured list (retroactive to June 14).” — Tim Stebbins, MLB.com
- “The Cleveland Guardians placed rookie outfielder Chase DeLauter (rib) on the 10-day injured list (retroactive to June 14) on Wednesday with a right side rib fracture and recalled outfield prospect Kahlil Watson from Triple-A Columbus in a corresponding move.” — Tim Stebbins, MLB.com
- “Guardians place Chase DeLauter on the injured list with a rib fracture.” — Tom Withers, X
- “OF Kahlil Watson brought up.” — Tom Withers, X
Outlook
Cleveland stays tied for first in the AL Central with Chicago. The club will count on Watson’s debut Wednesday night at Milwaukee for depth. If DeLauter returns by the June 24 series against the White Sox, the Guardians could regain some offense; otherwise they must produce runs without three of their top-six hitters for at least a month.
