The Cleveland Guardians have placed outfielder Chase DeLauter on the 10-day injured list with a right rib cage fracture and selected prospect Khalil Watson from Triple-A Columbus.
The move came after DeLauter crashed into the right-field wall during Saturday's game against Detroit. Manager Stephen Vogt said the decision considered both the injury and the team's roster needs.
"Obviously, he was trending in the right direction," Vogt said. "But with where we are with our roster right now, we just felt it was best."
Watson, the organization's No. 12 prospect and a 2021 first-round pick, received the call Tuesday night at age 23. He transitioned from infield to outfield during his development and hit .250 with 16 home runs last season in Triple-A.
"It's been a long journey," Watson said. "It's not done. It's just the beginning."
The Guardians are also dealing with injuries to José Ramírez and Angel Martínez. Watson is expected to play mostly in right field.
