The Guardians are expected to place superstar third baseman Jose Ramirez on the injured list with a left hamate bone fracture, according to multiple reports, including from Zack Meisel of The Athletic. Ramirez was removed in the fifth inning of Saturday’s game against the Tigers after popping out in his third at-bat.
It’s brutal news for a Cleveland club that just moved back into first place with a win over Detroit, along with a loss by the White Sox. Ramirez is having a slightly underwhelming season by his lofty standards, with a .754 OPS heading into Saturday, but he’s a consistent presence in the middle of the Guardians’ lineup. The veteran has played in all 72 games this season. Ramirez has also been a menace on the basepaths, with an AL-leading 24 steals.
Ramirez wasn’t the only key piece to depart on Saturday. Outfielders Chase DeLauter and Angel Martinez also left early. DeLauter crashed into the wall in the top of the first inning. He initially stayed in the game, singling off Tarik Skubal in the bottom of the frame, but was removed for a pinch runner. He’s dealing with a bruised rib cage (h/t Tim Stebbins of MLB.com). Martinez fouled a ball off his foot in his first at-bat. He was removed defensively to begin the second inning.
Already down two outfielders, the departure of Ramirez put the Guardians in a tricky spot. Daniel Schneemann, who replaced DeLauter, had to move to third base. Kyle Manzardo replaced Ramirez in the lineup and went to first base. That pushed Rhys Hoskins to left field. It was his first appearance in the outfield since 2018. Cleveland then sacrificed the DH to bring David Fry into the field for the ninth inning. Closer Cade Smith was forced into the batting lineup. Smith slammed the door for the save, so manager Stephen Vogt didn’t need to navigate that lineup spot.
Ramirez is likely facing an extended absence. Recovery from a fractured hamate bone can vary, but it’ll probably cost the seven-time All-Star at least a month. There were three high-profile hamate bone fractures this spring. Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor and Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll both made it back in time for the regular season. Orioles infielder Jackson Holliday‘s comeback didn’t go as smoothly. Holliday dealt with multiple setbacks during his rehab assignment and didn’t return to the big-league club until mid-May.
Schneemann is a good candidate to fill in at third base with Ramirez out. He’s typically handled the hot corner when Ramirez has served as the DH. The infielders on the 40-man roster include CJ Kayfus, Juan Brito, and Angel Genao. Brito was up with the team earlier this season and has experience at third base, though he hasn’t played there as a big leaguer. He manned second base before Travis Bazzana was promoted.
Photo courtesy of David Richard, Imagn Images
I find pastrami to be the most sensual of the salted, cured meats.
What? you’re crazy…Salami or prosciutto
You’re not quite at Slider with Cheese levels of despondency/nitwittery yet, but you’re inching ever closer. You don’t want to be associated with that mess do you?
This really sucks…
wow. his stats are terrible. wrong jose.
He’s spent after spending the last 10 days or so beating the hell out of Yankee pitching. 🤣
No way. Jose?
He is hardly ever out of the lineup. Stinks for Cleveland fans.
Doesn’t this injury take something like a month or so to recover from? A shame because his bat was coming to life with the recent series against the Yankees.
I’m at a loss for words.
Or at least more than 6. 😁
It’s Jose’s second career IL stint. Both times were for a fractured hamate. Just brutal
Austin Hedges is really going to have to step up now to help shoulder the offensive load with Ramirez out.
Wrong guy is linked
Damn, I feel bad for Guards fans
Bummer.
Noooooooooo…!!! Get well soon, Hoser!
I don’t think Cleveland has much to fear with or without him. Detroit has that broken feel to it this year. The pitching has been good enough to have a better record, but the hitting has a problem. When you watch the games this season you don’t ever feel they are going to compete hitting wise. It feels like its back to the drawing board with them. Trade the pitching and rebuild ? You just feel like they need some new blood. Draft and Trading deadline are becoming the most exciting thing to look forward to. GO TIGERS !
wrong jose ramirez dere