The Guardians are keeping Jose Ramirez on the bench for Saturday’s game against the White Sox, and the reason is simple: they’re being careful.
Cleveland said the move is tied to workload management after Ramirez’s June surgery on his left hamate bone. Since returning from more than a month on the 10-day injured list and being activated on July 22, the team has tried to avoid pushing him too hard and risking a setback.
Tim Stebbins of MLB.com reported that it was “Just a day off for Ramírez. Guardians have continually said they're going to be mindful of him workload-wise post-hamate surgery.”
That caution comes at a notable moment for Cleveland. A win would leave the Guardians one game behind the White Sox for first place in the American League Central.
Ramirez has been a central figure for Cleveland for years, piling up seven All-Star selections and six Silver Slugger awards. But this season has been a different story so far. In 85 games, he is hitting .234 with a .334 on-base percentage, a .720 OPS, 10 home runs and 35 RBIs.
The Guardians have not gotten their usual production from the face of the franchise, and the injury has only added to the challenge. Even so, the organization appears committed to protecting him as best it can.
Angel Genao will start at third base in Ramirez’s place. Ramirez could still be used later as a pinch-hitter, but Cleveland also could choose to give him the full day off.
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