DeLauter's Slump, Guardians' Trust

0:00On April 27, Cleveland Guardians' rookie outfielder Chase De Lauder is catching heat after his first 26 games in the majors, despite 11. Extra base hits and 16 runs batted in. The 24-year-old slashed a solid 0.233 over-slash 0.327 over-slash 0.478 for an on-base plus, slugging of 0.805. But he's in a 19-game home run drought since the home opener against the Chicago Cubs. That slump has his recent line at 0.188 over-slash 0.312 over-slash 0.297. Still, before facing the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday, his numbers show patience with 13 walks against just 12 strikeouts. Manager Steven Boat has no worries, calling De Lauder mature beyond his years with a steady approach that delivers quality at bats. Boat dismissed batting average as an old stat, pointing to big hits like his start in Seattle. Dig into the advanced stats and it's clear he's crushing it, expected weighted on-base

1:01average in the 76 percentile, expected batting. Average at 73rd, expected slugging 77th, plus top marks in square to a percentage and chase rate, all 85th percentile, or better. His spray chart spreads hits all over the field smartly. De Lauder's growth shines through past injuries, earning trust as he battles this funk without spiraling. He gets a shot to end the drought tonight at 6.10pm, Eastern against the Rays, proving the rookies here to stay.