Ramírez back for Guardians, batting second in return to lineup

CLEVELAND -- Progressive Field should have a lively atmosphere on Wednesday evening. No. 11 is back.

The Guardians activated third baseman José Ramírez off the 10-day injured list prior to Wednesday’s game against the Twins at Progressive Field. Outfielder Kahlil Watson was optioned to Triple-A Columbus in a corresponding move.

Ramírez, who had been sidelined after fracturing his left hamate fracture on June 13, is in Wednesday’s starting lineup, hitting second and playing third base.

“Obviously we're all ecstatic that Hosey's back,” manager Stephen Vogt said.

Wednesday marked five weeks and one day since Ramírez underwent surgery on his hamate, on June 16. The 33-year-old’s return was given a timetable of five to seven weeks after that procedure, and he ultimately bypassed a rehab assignment en route to his activation.

The Guardians took things one day at a time in this process, keeping the big picture in mind with much left to play for this season. But they also leaned upon Ramírez, a 14-year veteran who knows his body best and what he needs to be ready to play.

Ramírez remained physically active after surgery. He got the stitches removed from his hand on June 30, and soon after advanced into a hitting progression. He told Vogt he was good to go after his day of work on Tuesday.

“Hosey’s about winning,” Vogt said. “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 on board with him being back in there today."

The Guardians went 15-15 without Ramírez. They entered Wednesday at 54-48, percentage points behind the White Sox (53-47) for first place in the AL Central standings. They did well to tread water in his absence. But Cleveland also ranked 28th in the Majors in runs scored (121) and 26th in OPS (.690) in 30 games without its superstar.

Ramírez is an obvious boost. Though his numbers this season are down from his typical elite standard, he has been productive and a driving force for Cleveland offensively this season. He has a .757 OPS, hit 18 doubles and 10 home runs, drawn 41 walks with just 44 strikeouts and 24 stolen bases.

Vogt said he’s proud of how the club held its own without its heart and soul's production.

“The last five weeks could have been a lot different, and it wasn't,” Vogt said. “We kept our heads above water. You can use all the clichés you want, but we did not let the last five weeks determine the rest of our season, and that's really what I'm proud of."

Vogt noted there will “be some limitations,” for Ramírez out of the gates. The Guardians will be thoughtful about how much he plays and when. But ultimately, Ramírez’s wrist is feeling good and he’s ready to go. He’s also the first of what could be two reinforcements this week.

Outfielder Angel Martínez (who suffered a non-displaced left foot fracture the same day Ramírez was injured) began a rehab assignment on Friday. He was set to play seven to nine innings on Wednesday with Double-A Akron, in his fourth rehab game, and perhaps could be ready to be activated this weekend.

“The more we can lengthen this lineup, the better we're going to be," Vogt said. "We've missed Hosey and Angel, but the guys who have been here have stepped up in a huge way. So there's really hard decisions to make."

Gabriel Arias and Daniel Schneemann split reps at third base in Ramírez’s absence. While Schneemann started in right field on Wednesday, Vogt noted they value his versatility and ability to play infield and outfield. He also highlighted Arias’ ability to play around the infield.

“We feel like we've got two very good utility players there, and we'll see what happens moving forward,” Vogt said.

Watson had a .239/.264/.341 slash line with 11 RBIs in 27 games after his first big league callup on June 17. Vogt often praised the 23-year-old's slow heartbeat over the past month. With his option, the Guardians' outfield includes Steven Kwan, Chase DeLauter, Petey Halpin and Schneemann.

"The messaging was, ‘Watty, you came here when we needed you, and you helped us.'" Vogt said. "I think we saw an unbelievably talented player with Kahlil Watson, and 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, and I think he understood that."