The Cleveland Guardians are expected to make a move before the Aug. 3 trade deadline to address a big need in their lineup. That could also be right around the time it will get a boost from two returning injured players.
Third baseman Jose Ramirez and outfielder Angel Martinez were both injured in the same game, on June 13 against the Seattle Mariners. Ramirez needed surgery on his left hamate bone, and Martinez was in a walking boot with a foot injury.
They have been on the injured list for almost a month, but insider Andre Knott has revealed Friday, July 31, as a potential return date for the two key Guardians players.
“[Jose] thinks he’ll be back July 26. Angel’s not in a boot anymore. I think if everything goes as planned by both players, hopefully you have them by the time we start that series against Arizona, right at the trade deadline,” Knott said.
"I think if everything goes as planned by both players, hopefully you have them by the time we start that series against Arizona, right at the trade deadline," – @DreKnott on when we could see Angel Martinez and Jose Ramirez back pic.twitter.com/NY0D6PRPYz
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) July 14, 2026
The Guardians have been able to tread water enough to enter the All-Star break tied for first place in the AL Central. However, they remain among the worst run-scoring teams in the majors, and they could use any help for the offense that they can get.
It could come from several trade targets if the Guardians remain in contention and feel they should be buyers. With Ramirez and Martinez potentially returning for the series opener against the Arizona Diamondbacks so close to the deadline, the organization won’t have any time to figure out what they are going to be capable of or how the lineup will perform when they do.
Before his injury, Ramirez was having a down season by his standards, with his batting average as low as .207 in mid-May. He eventually improved to a slash line of .239/.339/.418 with 10 home runs, 33 RBIs, and 24 stolen bases.
By comparison, Martinez was having the best offensive season of his three-year career, already matching his high of 11 home runs to go along with 33 RBIs and a slash line of .239/.276/.442. A switch-hitter like Ramirez, their return will help balance the Cleveland lineup, which has become heavily left-handed in their absence.
It is unknown if Ramirez or Martinez will require a rehab stint in the minors, or how long those would last, but their return is certainly on the horizon, which is very good news for the Guardians.
NEXT: Analyst Reveals One Stat Defining Guardians' Season So Far
