The Cleveland Guardians’ biggest star, Jose Ramirez, was playing winter ball with Leones del Escogido in the Dominican Republic.
It’s his first season with them after landing there via trade from the Toros del Este, his former team.
However, his participation in the 2023-24 season in the LIDOM came to a somewhat abrupt end.
Escogido’s broadcaster Jose Mena tweeted that Ramirez won’t play with Leones anymore.
El estelar jugador de Grandes Ligas José Ramírez no seguirá jugando con los Leones del Escogido. pic.twitter.com/fG73kuGh37
— Jose Antonio Mena (@jmena26) December 10, 2023
The reasons for the decision are unclear, and nobody knows for sure.
It could be a common agreement with the Guardians, a recent hit-by-pitch he suffered, or that he just wants to rest.
Nobody knows but Ramirez, the Guardians, and Leones.
In 10 games and 42 plate appearances, J-Ram hit .219/.381/.344 with a home run and a .725 OPS.
He scored nine runs, drove in five, and stole four bases.
The most impressive part of is statistical profile was his eight bases on balls and just two strikeouts.
Fans pointed out that he couldn’t consistently produce, but he played just 10 games: it’s hard to get into a groove with such a little sample.
Still, most of them are grateful that he put on a uniform and played.
For big leaguers with a sizable MLB contract, playing winter ball is a rarity.
Fans made sure to acknowledge that even if they would have loved to have the perennial MVP candidate for longer.
Ramirez remains the heart and soul of the Guardians lineup and perhaps their most important player going forward.
The Guardians are surely happy to see him getting a bit of rest after a long season.
NEXT: Guardians Made A Notable Catcher Swap Over The Weekend
