Jose Ramirez was removed from the Cleveland Guardians Cactus League game on Sunday with what the team is calling "shoulder inflammation."
There are plenty of things that must go the Cleveland Guardians’ way if they plan to win the American League Central for a third straight season and get back to the playoffs in 2026, giving themselves a chance to break their World Series drought.
Out of all of them, Jose Ramirez continuing to play at an MVP level is at the top of the list, meaning he must be healthy and available for the Guardians.
Anytime Ramirez’s name pops up in injury news, there’s going to be worry, just like on Sunday when he exited Cleveland’s Spring Training contest against the Athletics in the fourth inning.
It was initially unclear why Ramírez was subbed out, with it coming before any of Cleveland's other starters. Then, Stephen Vogt confirmed after the game that Ramírez jammed his shoulder sliding into third base, which caused some discomfort.
Cleveland’s skipper called it a “day-to-day” injury for now. Vogt knew that Ramirez had been checked out by the training staff, but didn’t have any information on whether any additional imaging was necessary.
Vogt said he would provide another update on Ramirez's status on Monday, once he had more information about the injury.
Jul 12, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez (11) rounds third base prior to scoring during the first inning against the Chicago White Sox at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn ImagesBefore Ramirez left the game, he was 1-for-2 with a double, two RBI, and a strikeout.
Cleveland didn’t need Ramirez’s help to finish off the Athletics in the Cactus League matchup. The Guardians went on to take down their American League counterpart, 12-6, in what was one of the best offensive performances from the team this spring.
Ramirez is unsurprisingly having a fairly strong Cactus League with the Guardians. In 30 at-bats, J-Ram owns an .833 OPS, including two doubles and two home runs. (One of those doubles should almost certainly be a home run, but the Cactus League does not have instant review.)
He’s also stolen three bases in four tries. In many ways, Ramirez already looks like he’s in mid-season form, and his stats reflect it.
Hopefully, this isn’t an injury that keeps Ramirez sidelined for too long. That said, the Guardians are wise to keep him out for the next few days and be cautious with their superstar if it’s something that is truly bothering him.
Opening Day is in 11 days for the Guardians. Fingers crossed that will be enough time for Ramirez to get healthy and be the star player Cleveland needs him to be to begin the season.
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