The Cleveland Guardians’ path to the postseason became a lot more difficult on Saturday.
Third baseman Jose Ramirez exited Saturday’s game against the Guardians after fouling out to the catcher in the fifth inning. Tim Stebbins from MLB.com reported that Ramirez fractured his left hamate and will be placed on the injured list.
Although Ramirez has not performed to his accustomed level in 2026, he has still been the Guardians’ biggest offensive threat. Ramirez had posted a .239/.339/.418 batting line in his 314 plate appearances through Saturday, hitting 10 homers and 18 doubles while stealing an American League-leading 24 bases.
History will need to wait for Jose Ramirez, Cleveland Guardians
Losing Ramirez for an extended period of time is a tough blow to the Guardians’ playoff hopes. They hold a half-game lead over the surprising White Sox for the lead in the AL Central and could find themselves in an unexpected pennant race down the stretch. Losing Ramirez’s stellar defense and ability to ignite the lineup could give the White Sox an advantage.
This injury also means that history will need to wait. Ramirez has 295 home runs and 311 steals in his career, leaving him just five homers away from becoming the ninth member of the 300-300 club.
The Guardians will need to find a way to replace Ramirez in their lineup. That may be easier said than done, as Ramirez has been one of the most valuable players in baseball over the past decade.