J-Ram exits Sunday's game with left shoulder inflammation

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Suffice to say, José Ramírez is indispensable to the Guardians’ success and their plans for 2026. So, alarm bells went off when the 33-year-old was removed from Sunday’s game against the A’s at Goodyear Ballpark.

Carter Kieboom pinch-hit for Ramírez in the bottom of the fourth inning. Manager Stephen Vogt noted after the Guardians’ 12-6 win over the A’s that Ramírez jammed his left shoulder running the bases.

“Hosey jammed his shoulder on a slide into third,” Vogt said. “[He has] some left shoulder inflammation.”

Vogt called it a “day-to-day” situation in the immediate aftermath of Sunday’s game, and Monday figures to bring a further update. Ramírez went 1-for-2 with a strikeout, and the slide in question appears to have come in the second inning. Ramírez hit a double and then stole third base.

The Guardians have seven Cactus League games and two additional exhibitions remaining before Opening Day on March 26 in Seattle. They’re going to be mindful here and keep Ramírez’s best interests in mind.

If Ramírez were to miss time, the Guardians’ third-base depth chart includes Daniel Schneemann, who should return to action this week after spraining his ankle on Friday, and Gabriel Arias. Kieboom is in camp as a non-roster invitee.

Arias is expected to open the season as Cleveland’s starting shortstop, but has experience at third, while presumptive Opening Day second baseman Brayan Rocchio is a natural shortstop, which allows for some shifting, if needed.