Guardians Place Jose Ramirez on IL With Hamate Fracture, DeLauter and Martinez Also Leave Game

The Cleveland Guardians are expected to place seven-time All-Star third baseman Jose Ramirez on the injured list after he suffered a left hamate bone fracture during Saturday’s game against the Detroit Tigers. Ramirez was removed from the game in the fifth inning following his third at-bat. The injury will likely sideline the Guardians’ key offensive and defensive presence for at least a month.

Ramirez’s absence is a blow to a Cleveland team that recently moved back into first place in the AL Central with a win over the Tigers and a loss by the Chicago White Sox. Ramirez entered Saturday’s game with a .754 OPS and led the American League with 24 stolen bases. The 31-year-old has started all 72 games this season, providing consistent production in the middle of the lineup.

Ramirez wasn’t the only player to leave Saturday’s game with an injury. Outfielder Chase DeLauter was removed after crashing into the wall in the first inning with a bruised rib cage. DeLauter initially stayed in the game, going 1-for-1 before being replaced by a pinch runner. Angel Martinez also exited after fouling a ball off his foot in his first at-bat.

The injuries forced manager Stephen Vogt into a quick lineup shuffle. Daniel Schneemann, who typically plays third base when Ramirez is the DH, moved to the hot corner. Kyle Manzardo took over at first base, while Rhys Hoskins, who hadn’t played in the outfield since 2018, was shifted to left field. The Guardians also had to sacrifice the DH spot in the ninth inning to bring in David Fry and eventually had to use closer Cade Smith in the batting order.

Ramirez’s injury is a significant setback for Cleveland. Recovery from a hamate fracture is typically four to six weeks, though it can vary. Three high-profile players dealt with similar injuries this spring: Francisco Lindor (Mets), Corbin Carroll (Diamondbacks), and Jackson Holliday (Orioles). Only Lindor and Carroll returned in time for the regular season. Holliday faced multiple setbacks in his rehab and didn’t return to the majors until mid-May.

The Guardians have options to fill the void at third base and in the outfield. Daniel Schneemann is the most likely candidate to take over at third base. Other 40-man roster options include CJ Kayfus, Juan Brito, and Angel Genao. Brito, who has experience at second base, could also be a potential short-term solution.

Cleveland will look to bounce back in their next game against the Tigers on Sunday. Ramirez’s injury could force a long-term adjustment to the lineup and could impact the team’s playoff push in the tight AL Central race.