The Cleveland Guardians received an encouraging update on José Ramírez ahead of Monday night's series opener against the Minnesota Twins. Manager Stephen Vogt said the star third baseman is taking a scheduled recovery day Monday before completing a full workout Tuesday as he continues progressing from hand surgery.
Ramírez has been sidelined since suffering a fractured left hamate bone on June 13. The injury required surgery three days later, but his recovery has remained on schedule, giving Cleveland optimism that one of its biggest offensive stars could return later this month.
The Guardians also received positive news on outfielder Angel Martínez, who will move his rehab assignment to Double-A Akron on Tuesday after beginning it with Triple-A Columbus. The versatile 24-year-old continues working back from a non-displaced left foot fracture.
Ramírez was producing another All-Star-caliber season before landing on the injured list, and Vogt indicated the veteran could return without a minor league rehab assignment if he continues to progress through baseball activities.
Martínez, meanwhile, is nearing the end of his rehab process after missing more than a month. Before his injury, he provided valuable versatility while batting .239 with 11 home runs and nine stolen bases in 66 games.
The Guardians entered the series with a 52-48 record, sitting second in the American League Central, one game behind the first-place Chicago White Sox. Getting both players back would provide a timely boost as Cleveland continues its division race.
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Neither player has been given a firm activation date, but Monday's update reinforced that both are trending in the right direction. Cleveland will continue evaluating their progress before determining the next step.
With the trade deadline approaching and the AL Central race tightening, the Guardians are hoping the returns of Ramírez and Martínez can provide an internal boost for the stretch run.
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