CLEVELAND -- José Ramírez popped into the Guardians’ clubhouse Sunday morning and made a pitstop at his locker. The 33-year-old audibly inquired about the location of his bats, before changing into workout attire.
Ramírez has continued to progress in his recovery from left hamate surgery. Guardians president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti noted Sunday that the third baseman has started to hit off of a tee, and he could advance to overhand batting practice in the coming days.
Likewise, outfielder Angel Martínez has continued his progression from a non-displaced left foot fracture. The 24-year-old hit in batting practice on Saturday, and his foot responded well to conditioning work.
Ramírez thus far has met or exceeded each step of his rehab process, but he still has “a lot of boxes to check,” Antonetti noted. His post-surgery timeline of five to seven weeks remains.
“Both guys have progressed really well, so we're hopeful [they’re back] at some point after the All-Star break,” Antonetti said. “Exactly when, we don't have a specific timeframe yet.”
In the meantime, Cleveland is going to have to continue staying afloat without those guys. The Guardians entered Sunday’s series finale against the White Sox with an 8-10 record since Ramírez and Martínez (and Chase DeLauter, who has since returned) were injured June 13 against the Tigers.
Fourteen of those 18 games have been decided by three or fewer runs without Ramírez (18 doubles, 10 home runs, .757 OPS this season) and Martínez (11 doubles, team-leading 11 home runs, .718 OPS). The Guardians entered Saturday tied with the Giants for 26th in the Majors in runs scored (67) in their absence.
“It's obviously been a lot to overcome,” Antonetti said. “But I think that's been one of the hallmarks of this group -- not only this year, but over the last few years -- finding a way to overcome adversity. We know we have our work cut out for us. There's still a ways to go before we get to the break, and we know we need to continue to try to find ways to string together some wins.
“Our pitching staff has done a really good job of giving us a chance to stay in almost every game. We've found a way to score just enough to keep our heads above water.”
The Guardians are the only MLB team to use five starting pitchers this season, and they entered Sunday ranked seventh in the Majors in rotation ERA (3.72). That has been vital to them sitting in a virtual tie with Chicago atop the AL Central standings. Cleveland’s bullpen (3.83 ERA, 12th in MLB) has also fared well.
The Guardians’ young talent has also loomed large. Team brass spoke throughout the offseason of wanting to give up-and-coming players runway this season. Cleveland has had nine players make their regular season MLB debut. Rookie second baseman Travis Bazzana and starter Parker Messick were named All-Stars on Saturday.
DeLauter and Kahlil Watson have been key in the outfield. Returnees such as shortstop Brayan Rocchio continue to develop.
“It certainly hasn't been perfect and seamless, but that group has done a really good job of contributing and helping us find a way to win games to be in the position we're in now,” Antonetti said. “The important part will be what do we do from here, and can we continue to grow? Can we continue to learn and get better?”
One year ago Monday, the Guardians fell to 15 1/2 games behind the Tigers in the AL Central. They’re in a better position this season, but there’s a long way to go. We’re also approaching the Aug. 3 Trade Deadline, and while teams are having conversations now, those will intensify more once the MLB Draft passes next weekend.
Antonetti noted the majority of trade activity has gone to the wire in recent years, since MLB’s postseason field expanded to 12 teams in 2022. Fewer clubs are clearly defined as buyers or sellers compared to years past.
The Guardians swung a trade for catcher Patrick Bailey in May, but the next four weeks will provide them with plenty of data for potential additional moves. Adding to the offense could make sense, including a right-handed hitter. There are just four on the active roster. Every contender will figure to be in the market for bullpen help.
In the meantime, Cleveland must continue to stay afloat as it has the past three weeks.
“Within each of those wins and losses, there are learning moments and opportunities for individuals and us as a team to learn and grow,” Antonetti said. “Hopefully this group can continue to grow together and learn, and provide some exciting moments for everyone the rest of the way.”