Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez is expected to return to play later in July 2026, following the All-Star break, according to Chris Antonetti, the Guardians' president of baseball operations. Ramirez is recovering from surgery for a left hand hamate fracture sustained in mid-June.

Ramirez fractured the hamate bone in his left hand while taking a swing against the Detroit Tigers on June 13, 2026. A portion of the hamate bone in his left hand was surgically removed on June 16, 2026. Antonetti stated on July 5 that Ramirez has been hitting off a tee and would progress to overhead batting practice within the next couple of days.

Antonetti reported on July 5 that Ramirez has met or exceeded all recovery checkpoints to date. The recovery timeline for such an injury is specific to the individual, depending on healing and discomfort levels, Antonetti said. Ramirez experienced a similar injury to his right hand in 2019, which caused him to miss four weeks of play.

At the time of his injury in 2026, Ramirez had played in 72 games, batting .239 with a .757 OPS. He had recorded 10 home runs, 18 doubles, and 33 RBIs, and was leading the league with 24 stolen bases. The Cleveland Guardians had a 47-43 record as they entered their series finale against Chicago.

Context

Ramirez's return is anticipated following the All-Star break. His recovery from a hamate fracture follows a precedent set by a similar injury to his right hand in 2019. The team held a 47-43 record entering their series finale against Chicago.