Cleveland Guardians third baseman José Ramírez reported significant improvement in his jammed left shoulder on Monday, one day after exiting a spring training game. Manager Stephen Vogt said the team will continue to monitor him daily ahead of Opening Day.
Following his exit from Sunday's 12-6 Cactus League win over the Oakland A's after jamming his left shoulder on a slide into third base, José Ramírez felt 'much, much better' on Monday, according to Guardians manager Stephen Vogt. Medical staff evaluated the shoulder, noting overnight progress with inflammation but no need for imaging. 'He’s doing much better today. Hosey came out of the game with some shoulder soreness, tightness. But he's feeling much better today, so we're going to reassess him day by day. He should be just fine in a few days,' Vogt said.
Ramírez, who appeared in good spirits without a wrap on his shoulder during media availability, was already scheduled to rest Monday along with other regulars. He could return Tuesday, ahead of an off-day Wednesday and a Thursday exhibition against the Royals. With Opening Day 10 days away on March 26 in Seattle, the Guardians are proceeding cautiously.
At third base, recent options have included Carter Kieboom (who pinch-hit Sunday and started Monday), Daniel Schneemann, and Gabriel Arias (who can shift from shortstop, with Brayan Rocchio providing infield flexibility).
Ramírez has demonstrated strong durability, playing 158 games last season despite injuries and appearing on the injured list only once in 13 MLB seasons (a 2019 hamate fracture). Vogt noted, 'Yeah, it does [show his toughness], especially with how hard he plays. But he takes really good care of himself, and Hosey knows his body really well.'
