Up until a couple of days ago, the league was talking about Cleveland Guardians star third baseman Jose Ramirez slumping to open the season.
It wasn’t an atrocious, can’t-even-get-a-hit funk, but we all knew he wasn’t getting the results he is capable of at the plate.
He entered Thursday with a .682 OPS, much lower than his career .851 mark.
Even with such a lousy offensive output, J-Ram had contributed 19 RBI.
He is starting to heat up, which is awful news for opposing pitchers.
In fact, he hit a grand slam on Thursday against the Boston Red Sox, and his RBI output is getting closer to the league lead.
“José Ramírez is now tied for 2nd in MLB with 23 RBI. Marcell Ozuna leads with 29 and 9 HRs,” Cleveland sports reporter Hayden Grove tweeted.
José Ramírez is now tied for 2nd in MLB with 23 RBI.
Marcell Ozuna leads with 29 and 9 HRs. #Guardians
— Hayden Grove (@H_Grove) April 25, 2024
Nobody had Ramirez staying with an OPS under .700 for long.
After his blast, his line is now .252/.264/.466 with five dingers and 23 RBI.
Not too bad for a slumping slugger, huh?
The walks will eventually come, which will increase his disappointing OBP, and some of the balls he is hitting are going to start falling on the grass and in the stands.
He is just too good to slump for long: we are talking about one of the best players in MLB since 2016, a consistent offensive force who can contribute on defense and on the basepaths.
It’s amazing to think the Guards have MLB’s best record with Ramirez being cold.
Once he gets hot, this team might not have a ceiling.
The Guardians are in a very good position for the rest of the season and beyond.
NEXT: Josh Naylor Spotted Taking Part In Wholesome Moment With Fan
