2024 Guardians Spring Training Players Of The Game: Game 24

Cleveland's Brayan Rocchio, Chase DeLauter, Scott Barlow, and Tyler Thornton each played well in the team's 8-5 victory over the Chicago White Sox.

The Cleveland Guardians earned their 10th 2024 Cactus League win with an 8-5 victory over the Chicago White Sox yesterday 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 roster for yesterday’s game and their performances in the contest, here are four Players of the Game.

Brayan Rocchio, SS

The Guardians’ third-ranked prospect according to MLB Pipeline recorded his second consecutive two-hit game.

The 23-year-old began the contest with a leadoff double, eventually scoring on an RBI single from Myles Straw. Then, one inning later, Rocchio hit a two-run home run to give Cleveland a 7-0 lead. This was his first home run of the spring.

Mar 3, 2024; Mesa, Arizona, USA; Cleveland Guardians shortstop Brayan Rocchio (4) hits against the Chicago Cubs in the first inning at Sloan Park / © Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

Chase DeLauter, RF

The Guardians’ top-ranked prospect according to both MLB Pipeline and Baseball America added to his very productive spring.

In his first plate appearance of the day, DeLauter hit a three-run home run in the top of the first inning to extend Cleveland’s lead to 5-0. This swing gave the 22-year-old his third home run and fifth, sixth, and seventh RBI of the spring.

Scott Barlow, RHP

The veteran reliever recorded a scoreless, hitless relief appearance for the sixth time in seven outings this spring.

For his third consecutive relief appearance, Barlow pitched a perfect inning with two strikeouts in exactly seven pitches (all strikes).

Tyler Thornton, RHP

The 2023 Guardians Organization All-Star successfully navigated a late, potentially game-tying jam.

Although Cleveland had an 8-5 lead with one out in the bottom of eighth inning, Thornton inherited runners on second and third. But the right-hander earned his second hold of the spring by retiring the only two hitters he faced, forcing a strikeout then a flyout to end the frame.