Jose Ramirez, the Cleveland Guardians’ star third baseman, has been sidelined since mid‑June after fracturing the hamate bone in his left hand, a setback that was initially projected to keep him out for up to six weeks.
Recent footage shows the 27‑year‑old swinging off a tee in the team’s training facility, a sign that his rehabilitation is moving forward, and he is slated to advance to overhead batting practice within days.
President of baseball operations Chris Antonetti emphasized that the club is proceeding with caution, noting that Ramirez’s progress has met or even exceeded every checkpoint established by the medical staff.
Before the injury, Ramirez was batting .239 with a .757 OPS, already contributing 10 home runs, 18 doubles, 33 RBIs and a league‑leading 24 stolen bases across 72 games, underscoring the impact his return could have on the club’s lineup.
The Guardians have drawn on past experience, recalling that Ramirez missed only four weeks after a similar fracture to his right wrist in 2019, a history that informs but does not dictate the current timeline.
A Cautious Yet Optimistic Outlook
Antonetti’s comments reflect a broader philosophy within the organization: while the team is encouraged by the player’s steady improvement, they remain vigilant about protecting his long‑term health.
The club’s medical team continues to monitor Ramirez closely, and if the current trajectory holds, fans can expect to see the dynamic infielder back in the lineup before the end of July.