Cleveland Guardians Star José Ramírez Sidelined with Shoulder Soreness, Expected to Recover Soon
Cleveland Guardians fans can breathe a sigh of relief—third baseman José Ramírez is already showing improvement after leaving a spring training game early due to shoulder discomfort. Manager Stephen Vogt provided an optimistic update Monday, saying the veteran slugger should be back to full strength within days.
Ramírez, a seven-time All-Star, exited Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Reds after feeling pain in his left shoulder while sliding into third base. The injury occurred in the second inning following a double and a stolen base. By the fourth inning, he was replaced by a pinch hitter.
“He knows his body better than anyone,” Vogt told reporters. “When he stepped out of the on-deck circle and said, ‘I’m done,’ we listened. We’ll take it day by day, but he’s feeling better already.”
The 33-year-old Dominican infielder is no stranger to playing through minor aches, but the Guardians are wisely exercising caution early in spring training. Ramírez is coming off another stellar season, finishing third in American League MVP voting after batting .283 with 30 home runs and 85 RBIs in 2023.
A franchise cornerstone, Ramírez has spent his entire 13-year career with Cleveland, amassing a .279 lifetime average, 285 homers, and 949 RBIs. His value to the team was underscored last offseason when he inked a historic seven-year, $175 million extension—the richest deal in Guardians history.
While the injury appears minor, the team will monitor Ramírez closely to avoid any setbacks before Opening Day. His presence in the lineup is critical for a Guardians squad looking to build on last year’s AL Central success.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching for updates, but early signs suggest Cleveland’s star third baseman won’t be sidelined for long.
— Reported by Nexio News
