José Ramírez Sidelined with Broken Hand, Placed on Injured List for Second Time in Career

José Ramírez, the Cleveland Guardians' seven-time All-Star third baseman, has been placed on the injured list for the second time in his career due to a broken bone in his left hand. The injury occurred during the fifth inning of Saturday's 3-1 win over the Detroit Tigers, when Ramírez fouled out on a pop up to Tigers catcher Dillon Dingler.

Ramírez fractured the left hamate bone, the same injury he suffered in his right hand in 2019. He missed only a month after undergoing surgery for that injury. The 33-year-old native of the Dominican Republic said he felt something out of the normal after finishing his swing and heard a popping sound, which led him to realize something was off.

The injury comes at a critical time for both Ramírez and the Guardians. Ramírez was off to a good start in June, batting .295 with two home runs and four RBIs. The two-time defending AL Central champions are also involved in a tight division race, with the Guardians (39-33) beginning Sunday one-half game in front of the surprising Chicago White Sox.

The team's medical staff is still determining the timeline for surgery and recovery. Ramírez will undergo surgery and faces a five to seven week recovery time. Gabriel Arias was activated off the 60-day injured list to take Ramírez's spot, and he will get the majority of the playing time at third base while Ramírez is sidelined. Daniel Schneemann and David Fry can also play third.

The Guardians have a day off Monday before starting a three-game series in Milwaukee on Tuesday. Manager Stephen Vogt expressed confidence in the team's resilience, saying, "This group is so resilient. We know the hit of not having Hosey for the next little bit, but it's other guys' opportunities to step up."

The injury to Ramírez is not the only concern for the Guardians' training staff. Outfielder Chase DeLauter had an MRI Saturday night after suffering a bruised right rib cage colliding with the outfield wall during the first inning of Saturday's game. Angel Martinez had a bruised foot after fouling off a pitch and is day to day.

Ramírez's injury is a significant blow to the Guardians, but the team is confident in its ability to adapt and overcome. With a deep roster and a strong team culture, the Guardians are well-equipped to handle the loss of their star third baseman for the time being.