Jose Ramirez returns from injured list, back in lineup against Twins

CLEVELAND — The Guardians got to celebrate even before the first pitch was thrown Wednesday night at Progressive Field. Jose Ramirez was activated from the injured list prior to Cleveland's game against the Twins, and the seven-time All-Star and perennial MVP candidate was back in the lineup at third base, batting second. "Obviously, we're all ecstatic that Hosey's back," manager Stephen Vogt said during his pregame media session. "What a testament to him and our medical staff for getting Hosey back as quickly as they did. (Tuesday) he had a great day and told me he was ready to go." Though he didn't make it back in a month, as he did when he underwent similar surgery on his right hand in 2019, Ramirez still returned on the short end of the five-to-seven-week timetable after a procedure to remove the hook of the hamate bone in his left hand. Tuesday completed the fifth week, and he opted out of a minor league rehab assignment before activation. "He's earned it with as long as he's been playing," Vogt said. "As much as he wants to win, I think that's really what it is. Hosey's about winning. He's not going to come back if he doesn't believe that he can help us win. "So it's full trust in him, full trust in the medical staff. Everybody is onboard with him being back in there today. Obviously, there's going to be some limitations for him at first, but he's done a great job of getting his body ready, which is most important, and the wrist is feeling good." The Guardians stayed in contention for their third straight Central Division title without Ramirez and outfielder Angel Martinez (left foot fracture), who were injured in the same game June 13 against the Tigers at Progressive Field. Outfielder Chase DeLauter also landed on the IL after that game but returned June 28. Cleveland went 15-15 in Ramirez's absence, entering Wednesday a percentage point behind the first-place White Sox. "I think it shows the resilience of our team," team president Chris Antonetti said. "We talk about it every year that the season won't be defined by the highlights and just how well we're doing when things are going our way. But really when we face adversity, how do we handle it. And I think this group's done a really good job of finding a way to win enough games in a time that they were gone to give us a chance to continue to contend for an AL Central title." "I couldn't be more proud of them. The last five weeks could've been a lot different, and it wasn't," Vogt said. "We kept our heads above water, use all the clichés you want, but we didn't let the last five weeks determine the rest of our season and that's really what I'm proud of." To clear room on the 26-man roster, Cleveland optioned outfielder Kahlil Watson back to Triple-A Columbus. Watson, 23, acquitted himself well during his first career stint in the big leagues, batting .239 with six doubles, a home run, 11 RBIs and nine stolen bases in 27 games. He made a leaping catch and crashed into the wall to end Tuesday's 5-2 win over Minnesota. "Obviously it's never fun to tell anybody they're going back to Columbus," Vogt said. "He understood, clearly not happy. No one wants to leave, but the messaging was, 'Watty, you came here when we needed you and you helped us.' I think we saw an unbelievably talented player. I think he's going to help us win a ton of games for a long time. It's just not his time right now." Martinez was scheduled to play in a rehab game for Double-A Akron on Wednesday and is on the verge of leaving the IL. When he returns, finding playing time for Gabriel Arias and Daniel Schneemann could be challenging. Both filled in for Ramirez at third, and though Schneemann can play outfield, Arias is strictly an infielder. "I think it's lineup to lineup, match up," Vogt said. "There's really nothing set in stone, but Schnee's versatility is definitely going to be a huge factor for us. He can play the outfield, play the infield, and Gabby can play all over the infield. So we feel like we've got two very good utility players, and we'll see what happens moving forward." Looking ahead Antonetti was asked if the Guardians would buy at the Aug. 3 trade deadline. "I think we'll look at all opportunities to try to improve the team," he said. "Obviously, we made one significant trade in our mind already, and we've seen the dividends of that with the impact that (catcher Patrick Bailey has) had. "We'll be aggressive in trying to find ways to improve. Now, whether that means we'll ultimately be able to get to the finish line on a deal or multiple deals, I have no idea. It's impossible to predict, but we'll certainly try." Contact Chris Assenheimer at (440) 329-7136 or cassenheimer@chroniclet.com. Like him on Facebook and follow him @CAwesomeheimer on X.