Guardians Spring Training Players Of The Game: Split Squad Vs. Rockies
The Cleveland Guardians recorded their second 2024 Cactus League tie with an 8-8 draw against a Colorado Rockies split squad on Tuesday afternoon.
With 90 players representing the Guardians during spring training (40-man roster, 22 non-roster invitees, and 28 depth camp players), each game’s roster will vary.
Based on Cleveland’s split squad roster for this game and their performances in the contest, here are four Players of the Game.
Chase DeLauter, LF/CF
MLB Pipeline’s 31st-ranked prospect had arguably his best game of the spring.
DeLauter recorded his first three-hit game of the spring, reaching base four times in five plate appearances.
With two outs in the top of the ninth inning, the 22-year-old hit a game-tying three-run home run. In 13 games so far this spring, DeLauter is hitting an impressive .520 with 13 hits, one double, four home runs, 10 RBI, five walks, four strikeouts, and a 1.640 OPS.
Feb 29, 2024; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Cleveland Guardians right fielder Chase DeLauter (6) grounds out in the third inning against the Los Angeles Angels during a spring training game at Tempe Diablo Stadium.
© Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Dom Nuñez, DH
The 29-year-old non-roster invitee recorded his first multi-hit game of the spring, ultimately finishing 2-for-3 at the plate.
After totaling one RBI in his first 11 games this spring, Nuñez hit a two-run double in the top of the seventh inning to cut Cleveland’s deficit to 7-3. This was his first double of the spring.
Jack Leftwich, RHP
The 25-year-old right-hander added onto his remarkable spring.
Leftwich pitched a perfect bottom of the eighth inning of relief, striking out one of the three hitters he faced. In seven relief appearances so far this spring, he has allowed no runs, two hits, and one walk, while throwing five strikeouts.
Lenny Torres Jr., RHP
The 23-year-old relief pitcher prospect fared well in his first appearance of the spring.
Torres Jr. pitched a scoreless, hitless bottom of the ninth inning of relief, tallying one walk and one strikeout.
