The Cleveland Guardians need to do anything they can to get Jose Ramirez back to his usual MVP-contending form this season. In that effort, they made a somewhat dramatic move in their series finale against the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday.
Manager Stephen Vogt batted Ramirez second in the order, the first time he hit anywhere other than third this year. The results were mixed, as Ramirez went 0-for-2 but walked, was hit by a pitch, and had two stolen bases. Most importantly, the Guardians won the game to complete their first season sweep of the year.
Based on that switch, analyst Pat McGuire said he sees better numbers coming for Ramirez, particularly an increase in home runs.
“The way that Jose is playing the game this year is a little bit different because the stolen base numbers are way up. He leads the league at this point. You don’t necessarily see him doing that all the time. But, I think if you can hit him in the 2 spot, it’s a little bit more advantageous for this team because the power numbers will come at some point. He’s going to be able to hit home runs for you as well. Him using his speed and being able to walk more this year, that’s where I think it’s more valuable to have him in that 2 spot,” McGuire said.
Jose is FINALLY in the 2 hole! #GuardsBall@p_mcguire18 sees Jose's eye and speed as a massive plus behind the leadoff hitter as he finds his power stroke.
presented by @FanDuel https://t.co/zX3esDM8c2 pic.twitter.com/VqboFPZnWM
— The Daily Guards (@DailyGuards) May 15, 2026
In the previous 44 games when he was batting third, primarily as the third baseman but sometimes as the DH, Ramirez had a slash line of .210/.337/.370, which is significantly below his career marks across the board. By way of comparison, last year his slash line was .283/.360/.503.
The seven-time All-Star does have 18 stolen bases as he looks to become just the second player in MLB history to have three straight 30-30 seasons, joining Barry Bonds. However, Ramirez has just six home runs, and he has not hit one since April 19, a span of 81 at-bats and 22 games.
The 33-year-old, who signed a seven-year contract extension this offseason, is batting just .170 with a .191 slugging percentage in May, with one extra-base hit (a double) in 47 at-bats. To his credit, he is trying to contribute in other ways, with 11 walks and six stolen bases.
The move of Ramirez to No. 2 in the order could be the precursor to another significant change. With Steven Kwan having his worst MLB season at the plate, the Guardians’ leadoff hitter could be replaced in the role by rookie Travis Bazzana.
That would mark a seismic shift in the Guardians’ usual makeup, but it may be necessary for them to hold on to first place in the AL Central.
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