CLEVELAND — Cleveland GuardiansThird baseman star José RamírezAfter being hurt during Thursday’s 4-2 loss, he will have X-rays taken and other tests done on his right shin. Cincinnati Reds.
Ramírez collapsed in pain after fouling a ball off his shin in the eighth inning.
After going down, he rolled onto his back in the dirt near home plate, and the 29-year-old Ramírez needed several minutes to recover. After getting up, he stumbled back to the batter’s box where he hit his 34th RBI.
Ramírez was pulled for a pinch-runner after the hit.
Guardians manager Terry Francona said Ramírez, one of baseball’s best all-around players, will have his leg checked for any serious damage.
Francona explained that Francona was quite sore. “Hit just above his knee with your (protective) pad. He is a very tough kid for him to respond like this. He’s going for X-rays. But he’s already sore.
Ramírez has been in a slump of late, but he’s still the biggest threat in Cleveland’s lineup and the Guardians can’t afford to be without him for too long.
It is possible that he might miss one or more games depending on the Xray results.
Ramírez signed a seven-year, $141 million contract extension with Cleveland on the eve of opening day.
Francona, who was just returned to the teamAfter being with COVID-19 for the past two days, he will be absent Friday’s series opener against Detroit because he needs to undergo minor surgery. He’s expected back Saturday.
Francona was unable to play for the majority of the last two seasons due to serious medial issues. Due to gastrointestinal problems, he managed only 14 games in 2020 and was eventually forced to retire last July.
Francona will be replaced by DeMarlo Hale, the bench coach.