Ramírez Set to Return, Guardians Eye Batting Practice

Ramírez’s Road to the Plate

After a period of rehabilitation, José Ramírez, the Guardians’ star third baseman, is moving toward his next milestone. The seven‑time All‑Star has been working off a tee and is slated to begin overhand batting practice within days. His **.278** career average and **.239** line when he went down highlighted his importance to Cleveland’s offensive output. The team remains hopeful he will rejoin the club after the July 13‑16 break. Ramírez’s return could shift the balance in the AL Central race.

Guardians’ Recovery Timeline

The 33‑year‑old underwent surgery on June 16 to remove a portion of the hamate bone in his left hand, an injury sustained while swinging at a Detroit Tigers pitch three days earlier. The original forecast called for a **5‑to‑7‑week** recovery, a window that still stands as of now. When he had the same procedure on his right hand in **2019**, he was back in roughly **30 days**, offering a contrast to the current timetable. President of baseball operations Chris Antonetti stressed that each player’s healing is individual, and Ramírez still has “a lot of boxes to check.” The manager’s comments underscore the cautious optimism surrounding the timetable.

Depth Chart: Overcoming Injuries

Cleveland entered a four‑game set against Chicago on a 47‑43 record, just a fraction of a percent behind the White Sox (46‑42) for the AL Central lead. Even without Ramírez, the Guardians have stayed competitive, relying on depth that includes rookie slugger Chase DeLauter, who recently returned from the injured list. Outfielder Angel Martinez is nursing a nondisplaced fracture in his left foot and is expected to join the club after the upcoming break. All three key contributors—Ramírez, Martinez and DeLauter—were lost in the same contest, a blow the front office says the club is learning to surmount.

Standing in the AL Central

The Guardians’ pitching staff has been the anchor, giving the offense opportunities to stay in games. With Ramírez set to resume hitting, Cleveland’s offensive rhythm could tighten at a critical stretch. The team’s ability to grind out wins without its flagship bat may prove valuable if the recovery extends to the maximum window. As the All‑Star break looms, the Guardians aim to keep the momentum alive while monitoring each player’s progress closely.