Stephen Vogt gives an update on Jose Ramirez and shares what he saw from the Cleveland Guardians' pitching staff after their loss to the St. Louis Cardinals, 5-3.
The Cleveland Guardians had a lot on the line on Wednesday when they took on the St. Louis Cardinals. A win would be another series victory for Cleveland early on in the season and continue their stretch of starting the year without back-to-back losses.
However, the Guardians struggled both in the batter’s box and in the field, and ended up losing, 5-3. Here’s what Cleveland skipper Stephen Vogt had to say about the loss.
Slade Cecconi’s Outing
Cleveland’s starting pitcher, Slade Cecconi, only allowed one earned run in 4.0 innings of work, but it was not a walk in the park for the right-hander, and Vogt admitted that after the game.
“He didn't have his best stuff today,” said Cleveland’s skipper. “Obviously, he had a hard time executing, had a hard time being consistent. They were running on him and just trying to find it. The velo was fluctuating quite a bit; He just had a hard time consistently repeating. I felt the fact he held them to one run, through four [innings], was a win.”
Vogt complimented Cecconi for the way he battled and kept the Guardians in the game, but it was far from the best Cleveland has seen from the pitcher.
Apr 15, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Slade Cecconi (44) at Busch Stadium. Players and coaches are wearing number 42 in recognition of Jackie Robinson Day. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn ImagesToo Many Walks By Cleveland Pitching
The Guardians’ pitching staff has largely been very good to open the 2026 season, but their one weakness really hurt them in their series finale against the Cardinals, giving up free bases.
“When we haven't been pitching well this year, it's been the walks,” Vogt said. “We gotta get back to pumping the zone, like we know how to do.”
Looking at Cleveland’s team pitching line today, Cecconi, Connor Brogdon, and Tim Herrin combined to allow seven walks. That just simply isn’t a recipe to win a game, let alone a series.
Update on Jose Ramirez After Injury Scare
The Guardians lost on Wednesday, meaning they also lost the series, but it could have been even worse with Jose Ramirez taking plenty of time to collect himself after fouling a pitch off his leg.
Vogt said Ramirez is “sore, obviously. He barreled it right off his shin. We'll check him out, but I'm guessing Jose will be ready to go tomorrow.”
With the Guardians in the middle of a 13-day stretch without an offday, it wouldn’t be shocking to see Ramirez get an off day on Thursday just to make sure he’s alright, but it doesn’t sound like this will lead to an extended absence.
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