The Cleveland Guardians have revealed their lineup for the second game of their series vs. the St. Louis Cardinals on Saturday.
They dropped the opener and have been blanked in each of their last two contests.
They have played about a game and a half of those two without their best player, Jose Ramirez.
He was forced to leave Thursday’s game against the Toronto Blue Jays in the fourth inning after being hit by a Kevin Gausman pitch.
Initially diagnosed with a bruised right forearm, J-Ram was still sore on Friday, which is why he didn’t take the field with his teammates as they dropped the first game of the series against the Cards.
He is returning to the batting order on Saturday, though, so perhaps the Guardians have a chance to score a run at last.
José Ramírez returns to the lineup for the #Guardians. https://t.co/0LOdSIXnQO
— Nick Camino (@NickCaminoWKYC) June 28, 2025
Ramirez is playing third base and hitting third, right behind Kyle Manzardo and ahead of veteran first baseman Carlos Santana.
Ramirez had a significant bruise, so he is likely not yet 100 percent.
Still, his team needs him badly.
The Guards are currently sporting the league’s worst offense in June per wRC+, with a 70 mark before Saturday’s games.
Ramirez has been the only hitter in their lineup who has been consistently productive all year.
With a .317/.378/.514 line, 13 home runs, 21 stolen bases, and a 148 wRC+, Ramirez is a prime candidate to start at third base for the American League in the upcoming All-Star Game.
Baseball is not basketball, though: the impact one guy can have, as good as he might be, needs to be surrounded by talent at other positions.
NEXT: Stats Illustrate How Guardians' Offense Has Hit Rock Bottom
