CLEVELAND, Ohio — José Ramírez was out the clubhouse door and gone before reporters had a chance to talk to him following Tuesday’s 4-1 Guardians win against Boston.
One would think after smashing an opposite-field solo home run in the eighth inning and with his team owning the best record in Major League Baseball that Ramírez would have something to say, but that is not how Cleveland’s unassuming superstar operates.
Ramírez’s teammates, manager and opponents, however, had plenty to say about him and his latest performance.
Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said he spent many years in awe of Ramírez’s abilities from the other side of the field, and now he is glad to be on the same side.
“He’s that other tier of player, that top tier,” Vogt said. “They do things almost every night that make your jaw drop. That was just such a beautiful swing and good piece of hitting.”
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Ramírez took Red Sox lefty Brennan Bernardino deep for his fourth home run to open the eighth inning. After falling behind 1-2 in the count, Ramírez barreled a 98 mph fastball from Bernardino that was up and off the outside part of the plate, driving it through the rain and over the wall in right field.
“For him to go with that ball the other way, just absolutely crush it, that’s what he does” Vogt said. “José hits the ball hard, doesn’t get down on himself. But that was rewarding for him. For us. It was a huge hit at the time. I can’t say enough about what he brings to this lineup.”
Boston skipper Alex Cora agreed, saying Ramírez is probably one of only two players in the league that he thinks can hit that pitch for a home run, the other being José Altuve. Cora was impressed that Ramírez did damage to the fastball after fouling off a cutter inside earlier in the at-bat.
“He’s a stud,” Cora said. “Obviously, I’m not rooting for him but you’re in awe. I was like, ‘For real, bro?’ He’s amazing and that at-bat tells the whole story. He’s one of the best players in baseball.”
Vogt said Ramírez did a good job of hitting with two strikes.
“He’s been getting spun to death this year and for him to not cheat for the fastball, but for him to cover both (is impressive),” Vogt said. “Good hitters do that to two strike fastballs when they’re looking for a good two strike approach. I mean, he absolutely annihilated that ball the other way.”
Teammate Will Brennan said he dreamed about doing the kind of things Ramírez does in the batters’ box since he was a little kid, and now he gets to play along side him. Ramírez’s preparation on a daily basis never changes, whether he’s hot at the plate or in a slow stretch.
“It’s only a matter of time for José where he’s going to get hot,” Brennan said. “There’s nobody else that you’d want in the box. Maybe Josh (Naylor), but you want José in that box in any situation.”
For the dogs
Guardians players might want to think about making visits to the Cleveland Animal Protective League a regular part of their routine. The Guards improved their record to 9-1 on the same day that players check in with the pooches and pets at the APL before a game. David Fry, Bo Naylor and Cade Smith made a trip to the APL on Tuesday, which was also the first of three Bark in the Park nights at Progressive Field.
Trivia time: Of the 13 position players on Cleveland’s opening day roster this year, how many are still with the club following game No. 23? Answer below.
What’s next?
Here’s what’s next for the Guardians following Tuesday’s win.
- RHP Carlos Carrasco (1-1, 3.44) will start for the Guardians on Wednesday night. Boston will start righty Cooper Criswell (0-1, 4.26) in a bullpen game. First pitch is 6:10 p.m. Bally Sports Great Lakes, WTAM, WMMS, WARF and the Guardians radio network will carry game.
- On Thursday, RHP Triston McKenzie (2-2, 5.00) will face Boston and RHP Brayan Bello (3-1, 3.04) at 1:10 p.m. Bally Sports Great Lakes, WTAM, WARF and the Guardians radio network will carry the game.
- On Friday the Guardians travel to Atlanta for a three-game series against the Braves.
- On April 30 the Guardians open a three-game series against Houston at Minute Maid Park.
- On May 2 the Angels visit Progressive Field for a three-game weekend series.
Trivia answer: The Guardians have used the same 13 position players for each game so far this season, joining Houston as the only other American League club to have not made a roster move for a position player.
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