Cleveland Guardians third baseman José Ramírez broke a bone in his left hand during Saturday's game against the Detroit Tigers. The seven-time All-Star will be sidelined for an indefinite period, a significant blow to the team.
The indefinite absence of José Ramírez, a perennial MVP candidate and the heart of the Guardians' offense, significantly impacts the team's ability to compete in the AL Central.
Cleveland Guardians star third baseman José Ramírez broke a bone in his left hand during Saturday's 3-1 victory over the Detroit Tigers, an injury that will sideline the seven-time All-Star indefinitely. The fracture to his left hamate bone occurred on a swing in the fifth inning.
Manager Stephen Vogt confirmed the injury after the game, stating that Ramírez had a similar injury to his right hand in 2019. Despite the pain, Ramírez attempted to continue playing defense but was unable to grip his glove.
Ramírez, considered the face of the Guardians franchise, is batting .238 with 10 home runs and 33 RBIs this season. He has finished in the Top 4 of MVP voting five times in his career.
The Guardians also lost outfielders Chase DeLauter and Angel Martinez to injuries during the game. DeLauter suffered a bruised rib cage after colliding with the outfield wall, while Martinez sustained a bruise when he fouled a ball off his foot. The team was without its top three hitters in the batting order following these injuries.