The Cleveland Guardians activated outfielder Chase DeLauter from the 10-day injured list before Sunday's series finale against the Seattle Mariners at Progressive Field. DeLauter started as the designated hitter and delivered a game-tying two-run single in the eighth inning of a 6-5 victory.
DeLauter, who suffered a right rib cage fracture on June 13, went 2-for-5 in his return and scored the go-ahead run. The Guardians rallied for five runs in the eighth inning to overcome a 4-1 deficit.
Manager Stephen Vogt praised DeLauter's poise in the clutch moment. "It was just great to see him back," Vogt said. "For him to come up in that clutch moment was pretty cool."
DeLauter noted the challenges of recovery from the rib injury, including discomfort from everyday activities. "The small things are worse -- the coughing, the sneezing," he said. Teammate Rhys Hoskins highlighted DeLauter's consistency at the plate.
Outfielder Petey Halpin was optioned to Triple-A Columbus in the corresponding move. DeLauter has posted a .265/.338/.408 slash line with seven home runs over 67 games this season.