MVP candidate Jose Ramirez willing to switch to 2B for Indians
The acquisition of Josh Donaldson will result in some major changes for the Cleveland Indians, which Jose Ramirez apparently is willing to embrace under one condition.
Indians manager Terry Francona told reporters on Saturday that Ramirez is willing to move to second base so long as he sticks there and does not move back-and-forth between second and third.
Jose Ramirez told Francona he was willing to shift to 2B; he just didn't want to bounce back and forth. As for Francona's talk with Jason Kipnis: "I don't think he was jumping for joy."
— Zack Meisel (@ZackMeisel) September 1, 2018
Ramirez is in the middle of a potential MVP season for Cleveland, so moving positions could disrupt his continuity. But it could be a big help to the team if it allows Donaldson into the lineup at third base. Donaldson, a former AL MVP, has been rehabbing from a calf injury in the minor leagues for Toronto. He is batting .237 with a .757 OPS this year.
Jason Kipnis, who has been playing second base for the Indians, is batting just .227 this season and will take balls in the outfield now.
Ramirez is batting .288 with 37 homers and a .996 OPS this season. He ranks fourth in the AL in WAR according to ESPN’s metrics.
