Guardians Star Jose Ramirez's Durability Impresses

Ramirez has played in over 150 games in 8 of the last 10 seasons, showcasing his toughness and commitment to the team.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 1:55pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Guardians All-Star third baseman Jose Ramirez is known for his impressive durability, having played in more than 150 games in eight of the last 10 seasons. Even when dealing with injuries like a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right thumb in 2022, Ramirez refused to sit out and continued to play, leading the American League with 44 doubles and driving in a career-best 126 runs. Guardians president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti praised Ramirez's toughness and willingness to play through pain, noting that most players would have opted for surgery years ago.

Why it matters

Ramirez's durability and commitment to the team have been crucial to the Guardians' success, as he has played a central role in the team's recent division title and playoff run. His ability to play through injuries and maintain a high level of production sets an example for his teammates and underscores his value to the organization.

The details

Ramirez has played in more than 155 games five times in the last 10 seasons, including a 2022 campaign where he played in 157 games despite a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right thumb. He suffered the injury in June 2022 but refused to sit out, leading the AL in doubles and driving in a career-best 126 runs as the Guardians won the AL Central by 11 games. Ramirez finally had surgery on the thumb after the Guardians were eliminated from the playoffs.

  • Ramirez suffered a fractured right hamate bone while swinging and missing on a pitch on August 24, 2019, but still played in 129 games that season.
  • Ramirez tore the ulnar collateral ligament in his right thumb in June 2022 but continued to play, appearing in 157 games.
  • Ramirez had surgery on his right thumb on November 9, 2022, after the Guardians were eliminated from the playoffs.

The players

Jose Ramirez

An All-Star third baseman for the Cleveland Guardians who is known for his impressive durability, having played in over 150 games in 8 of the last 10 seasons.

Chris Antonetti

The president of baseball operations for the Cleveland Guardians, who praised Ramirez's toughness and willingness to play through injuries.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's his health and his toughness. He's been injured, and he's found a way.”

— Chris Antonetti, President of Baseball Operations, Cleveland Guardians (morningjournal.com)

“Most guys would have had surgery on his thumb four years ago. Jose walked into Tito's office (former manager Terry Francona) and said, 'I'm not having surgery, and I want to be in the lineup tomorrow.' That's a unique guy.”

— Chris Antonetti, President of Baseball Operations, Cleveland Guardians (morningjournal.com)

What’s next

The Guardians' 2026 Cactus League opener with the Reds is scheduled for February 21 in Goodyear, Arizona, where Ramirez is expected to be in the lineup as the team looks to build on their success from the 2022 season.

The takeaway

Jose Ramirez's remarkable durability and willingness to play through injuries sets him apart as a true leader and inspiration for his Guardians teammates. His dedication to the team and refusal to sit out, even when dealing with significant injuries, has been a key factor in the Guardians' recent success and underscores his immense value to the organization.