The Cleveland Guardians have won their last two games after a 10-game losing skid.
Those two victories have given them hope, but the road to turning things around and putting themselves back into the mix for postseason spots is long and full of obstacles.
They have fallen too far behind.
They have managed to string together consecutive wins and might not want the All-Star break to come and disrupt their rhythm.
The pause is coming, though the Guardians should see it as a chance to hit the reset button and rest.
Team star Jose Ramirez, elected by the fans to be the American League’s starting third baseman, is going to take the All-Star break to give his body a pause, skipping the game in the process.
“José Ramírez is skipping the All-Star Game to focus on recovery. He boasts a .299/.364/.503 slash line, despite playing through a sprained wrist (late March), a sprained ankle (early May), and being plunked in the forearm (late June). Houston’s Isaac Paredes will replace him,” team insider Zack Meisel posted on X.
José Ramírez is skipping the All-Star Game to focus on recovery. He boasts a .299/.364/.503 slash line, despite playing through a sprained wrist (late March), a sprained ankle (early May) and being plunked in the forearm (late June).
Houston's Isaac Paredes will replace him.
— Zack Meisel (@ZackMeisel) July 9, 2025
It has been a highly productive season for Ramirez individually, as usual, but he has suffered a few nagging injuries that could certainly use the rest.
It’s nothing that would prevent him from playing, but he is prioritizing the Guardians and what should be an intense second half ahead of the Midsummer Classic.
Fans will miss him, but there is nothing wrong with putting his team first.
Most Cleveland fans are actually happy to see their superstar taking a break from such a demanding season.
NEXT: Guardians Are Favorites To Sign Promising Shortstop Prospect
