Cleveland Guardians activate star third baseman José Ramírez

Cleveland Guardians third baseman José Ramírez was activated from the injured list on Wednesday after missing five weeks following left‑hand hamate surgery. The seven‑time All‑Star returned to the starting lineup, batting second and playing third as the club faced the Minnesota Twins. Guardians manager Stephen Vogt noted the team could have been “a lot different” without Ramírez, emphasizing his importance after the club went 15‑15 while he was sidelined and remained in a virtual tie for the AL Central lead with the Chicago White Sox. To make room for his return, outfielder Kahlil Watson was optioned to Triple‑A Columbus. Ramírez entered the season with a .239 average, 10 home runs and 33 RBIs in 72 games, and his presence is expected to improve Cleveland’s struggling offense.