The Cleveland Guardians lost 8-6 on Monday at the hands of the lowly Colorado Rockies.
The loss occurred in stunning circumstances, with top reliever Cade Smith allowing four runs and blowing a one-run lead.
The much-maligned Guardians’ offense, however, wasn’t bad, scoring six times and accumulating 11 hits.
The most impressive part was that they managed to do that without obvious contributions from their best player, Jose Ramirez.
J-Ram went 0-for-4 on Monday night, but in the seventh inning, the Rockies showed how much they fear and respect him.
“José Ramírez ranks second in MLB with 15 intentional walks after his free pass in the 7th. Aaron Judge leads the pack with 27,” Guardians insider Tim Stebbins posted on X.
José Ramírez ranks second in MLB with 15 intentional walks after his free pass in the 7th. Aaron Judge leads the pack with 27.
— Tim Stebbins (@tim_stebbins) July 29, 2025
The Guardians scored five of their six runs in the seventh frame.
With the game tied at three runs apiece, no outs, and men at first and second base, the Rockies preferred to intentionally walk Ramirez and load the bases with no outs rather than pitch to him and risk a home run or an extra-base hit.
Of course, this speaks volumes about the Rockies’ lack of respect for the rest of the Guardians’ offense as much as it does about their fear of Ramirez, and it’s important to point that out.
Still, it’s not just the Rockies: only Aaron Judge has been walked more times intentionally in MLB.
Some fans might still underrate Ramirez and everything that he represents as a player and as a hitter.
MLB pitchers, however, are very much aware of the threat he poses at the plate.
NEXT: Guardians Ace Shines In Rehab Outing In Double-A
