The Cleveland Indians are not doing well on the injury front on the eve of the new season.
Third baseman Jose Ramirez fouled a ball off his leg during Sunday’s spring training game and went down hard, seemingly unable to get up. He had to be carted off the field.
Jose Ramirez just fouled a ball off the inside of his left leg (looked like the knee area). He is down. Training staff is taking a look at him.
— Mandy Bell (@MandyBell02) March 24, 2019
This is not a good sign for the Indians. Jose Ramirez is being helped up off the ground and a cart is taking him off the field.
— Mandy Bell (@MandyBell02) March 24, 2019
Cleveland will already be without Jason Kipnis on Opening Day, and Francisco Lindor won’t be ready either as he battles back from a calf strain. Lindor will be back soon, but a long-term injury to Ramirez is not something Cleveland can afford. The third baseman hit .270 with 39 home runs last season, which led to a second consecutive top three finish in MVP voting.
These injuries do have a silver lining. They may have played a role in one prominent veteran winning a roster spot with the team.
