CLEVELAND.– Star Dominican third baseman José Ramírez continues to make positive progress in his recovery after undergoing surgery for a fractured hamate bone in his left hand, and the Cleveland Guardians do not rule out his returning directly to the team without the need to complete a rehabilitation assignment in the minor leagues.

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Manager Stephen Vogt explained that the decision will largely depend on the player himself, who knows his body perfectly and has shown steady progress over the last few weeks.

“We’re not 100% sure he needs to play in the minor leagues. He’ll know what he needs when he feels he’s ready to return,” Vogt stated.

Next Tuesday will mark five weeks since Ramírez’s surgery, a period that coincides with the minimum recovery time estimated by the medical staff, set between five and seven weeks.

Since the surgery, the Dominican player has been overcoming each stage of his rehabilitation. After having his stitches removed at the end of June, he began hitting off a tee and subsequently advanced to live batting practice sessions, including a recent one against right-hander Ben Lively, who is also in the process of recovery.

“Hosey is progressing very well. His swings are feeling better and better,” noted the Cleveland manager.

Unlike other injured players, Ramírez has been able to remain physically active during his recovery, which could accelerate his return to the big league team without the need to play warm-up games in Triple-A.

The 33-year-old third baseman suffered the injury on June 13. Before being sidelined, he played in 72 games, in which he accumulated 18 doubles, 10 home runs, and a .757 OPS, being one of the main offensive figures for the Guardians.

Cleveland has posted a 12-13 record since Ramírez’s absence and has struggled offensively, so the organization hopes to get one of its leaders back as soon as possible to face the second half of the season with greater aspirations of reaching the postseason.