Cleveland Guardians Wiretap

Cleveland Guardians star third baseman Jose Ramirez fractured his left hamate bone on a swing Saturday and will be sidelined indefinitely, a major setback for the two-time defending AL Central champions.

Ramirez was injured leading off the fifth inning of Cleveland's 3-1 win over the Detroit Tigers. Manager Stephen Vogt confirmed the break after the game, following imaging tests on the 33-year-old.

"He had a similar injury I think to his right hand a few years ago," said Vogt. "He tried to go back out. He knew the position we were in, grabbed his glove and said 'Maybe I can still play defense,' but he couldn't squeeze his glove. Hosey wanted to get back out there to help us win that game. He just couldn't."

Ramirez, a seven-time All-Star and the face of the Guardians' franchise, previously fractured his right hamate bone in 2019, the only other injured list stint of his career. He missed roughly one month following surgery after an initial timeline of up to seven weeks.

The switch-hitter entered Saturday batting .238 with 10 home runs and 33 RBIs this season. A career .274 hitter, Ramirez has finished in the top four of MVP voting five times and holds numerous franchise records.

Cleveland also lost outfielders Chase DeLauter and Angel Martinez to injuries in the first two innings. DeLauter suffered a bruised right rib cage colliding with the outfield wall, while Martinez sustained a foot bruise after fouling a ball off it.

With Ramirez out, Vogt shifted Rhys Hoskins from first base to left field, a position the veteran had not played since 2018 with the Philadelphia Phillies.

"We're working through the logistics and what the next steps are so we'll know more tomorrow or the next day," said Vogt. "These things can get complicated."

It remains unclear whether DeLauter and Martinez will also require injured list placements.

The Guardians are in first place in the AL Central with a 39-33 record.

Two-time American League Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal will return from the injured list Saturday against the Cleveland Guardians, Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch announced Thursday. Skubal has not pitched in the majors since April 29.

The left-hander underwent surgery on May 6 to remove a loose body from his left elbow. Initial projections called for a two-to-three month absence, but Dr. Neal ElAttrache employed the NanoNeedle Scope 2.0, a smaller arthroscope never previously used on a major league pitcher. The less invasive procedure allowed Skubal to resume throwing within days and advance rapidly to full bullpen sessions.

"I don't know if it will be a normal start or if it will be abbreviated," said Hinch. "But just getting him back into the routine and into the fold is a tremendous boost for this team and this rotation and our organization."

Skubal tuned up Sunday on a rehab assignment at High-A West Michigan, throwing five scoreless innings on 54 pitches. His fastball reached 99 mph, and he threw an estimated 15 additional pitches in the bullpen afterward.

"If anything, we're being conservative," said Skubal. "Four weeks after surgery was four or five days ago. Technically, if we wanted to, I could have been back then. I think we've taken this with the right approach. Not aggressive. If anything, we're being conservative."

Skubal's return carries significant implications beyond the mound. The Tigers sit 12 games below .500 following a 6-22 May, though Detroit has won six of its past eight. If the club cannot climb back into contention, Skubal could emerge as the top available asset ahead of the August 3 trade deadline. He is also in a contract year and widely expected to command a record-setting payday this offseason.

"I'm obviously happy with modern technology, modern medicine and the ability for him to do his work step by step," said Hinch. "I'm thrilled this was on the best-case scenario side of things, getting him back so quickly."

Travis Kelce is purchasing a minority stake in the Cleveland Guardians. Kelce grew up in the Cleveland area as a fan of the Guardians. The Guardians are valued at $1.7 billion, up from $1 billion in 2022.

"I have so much love for this city," Kelce told ESPN. "I say it all the time: I'm just a kid from the Heights living the dream. I credit every good thing in my life to Cleveland and being raised here with the values and the people and the work ethic. Cleveland Heights is such a diverse and dynamic place. Every friend, neighbor, teacher and teammate -- they all made me the man I am today. It just fueled such a deep appreciation for life and community and service. That mentality of Cleveland against the world runs deep.

"I've been lucky enough to have a front-row seat to good ownership in my career, and I know the best teams prioritize culture. Everyone is there to play their role, and right now, I'm here to observe and learn and really to support the team and the city when and where I can."

Other current athletes who have become minority investors in baseball teams include LeBron James (Boston Red Sox), Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Brewers), Cade Cunningham (Texas Rangers) and Kelce's Chiefs teammate Patrick Mahomes, who in July 2020 became a minority owner of the Kansas City Royals.

Kelce was an excellent baseball player in high school, hitting .588 with six homers as a senior in 2008. 

"I think I had always felt most confident on the diamond," Kelce said. "I was playing every sport growing up, but baseball was actually the only one I had early interest from scouts, so I really did think it was a viable option for me. The football thing chose me at the end of the day, and when I moved to tight end, it really took off for me.

"I mean, it's hard to find a better feeling in sports than hitting a home run. But the best part about playing baseball growing up for me was enjoying it with the fellas and their families I played with. I was lucky enough to be on some great teams growing up on the east side of Cleveland."

With nearly two months of the 2026 season complete, 22 players from the preseason MLB top 100 prospect list have graduated from eligibility, reshuffling the rankings ahead of what figures to be an active trade deadline season.

Milwaukee Brewers shortstop Jesus Made, 19, moves to the top spot after posting 90th percentile exit velocities that rank among big league averages despite playing in Double-A. His ability to control the strike zone and his defensive profile stand out, though scouts note his swing produces insufficient lift to translate his raw power into home run totals. If that changes in the second half, a significant ranking jump could follow.

Among the most notable movers is Boston Red Sox shortstop Franklin Arias, who climbs from 36th to sixth after posting improved exit velocity and lift rates while maintaining contact. Athletics shortstop Leo De Vries jumps to second after his profile helped pry All-Star closer Mason Miller from Oakland. Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Seth Hernandez rises from 49th to seventh after slider and fastball shape improvements unlocked his ceiling.

Notable graduates from the list include the previous top two prospects, Konnor Griffin and Kevin McGonigle, along with Samuel Basallo, JJ Wetherholt, Bubba Chandler, Carson Benge, Andrew Painter, and Carson Williams, among others.

Seven players currently on active big league rosters remain eligible but could graduate within weeks.

Top-50 MLB Prospects

60FV
1. Jesus Made, SS, Milwaukee Brewers (Previous: 3)
2. Leo De Vries, SS, Athletics (Previous: 11)
3. Colt Emerson, SS, Seattle Mariners (Previous: 6)
4. Max Clark, CF, Detroit Tigers (Previous: 8)
5. Sebastian Walcott, SS, Texas Rangers (Previous: 5)
6. Franklin Arias, SS, Boston Red Sox (Previous: 36)
7. Seth Hernandez, RHP, Pittsburgh Pirates (Previous: 49)
8. Eli Willits, SS, Washington Nationals (Previous: 41)
9. Kade Anderson, LHP, Seattle Mariners (Previous: 16)
10. George Lombard Jr., SS, New York Yankees (Previous: 20)
11. Travis Bazzana, 2B, Cleveland Guardians (Previous: 23)
12. Walker Jenkins, CF, Minnesota Twins (Previous: 9)
13. Trey Yesavage, RHP, Toronto Blue Jays (Previous: 14)
14. A.J. Ewing, CF, New York Mets (Previous: 28)
15. Rainiel Rodriguez, C, St. Louis Cardinals (Previous: 19)
16. Aidan Miller, SS, Philadelphia Phillies (Previous: 10)
17. Ryan Sloan, RHP, Seattle Mariners (Previous: 24)

55 FV
18. Josue De Paula, LF, Los Angeles Dodgers (Previous: 21)
19. Josuar Gonzalez, SS, San Francisco Giants (Previous: 30)
20. Ethan Salas, C, San Diego Padres (Previous: 110)
21. Ryan Waldschmidt, CF, Arizona Diamondbacks (Previous: 63)
22. Thomas White, LHP, Miami Marlins (Previous: 18)
23. Alfredo Duno, C, Cincinnati Reds (Previous: 29)
24. Connor Prielipp, LHP, Minnesota Twins (Previous: 54)
25. Caleb Bonemer, 3B, Chicago White Sox (Previous: 34)
26. Luis Pena, SS, Milwaukee Brewers (Previous: 26)
27. Ethan Holliday, SS, Colorado Rockies (Previous: 66)
28. Liam Doyle, LHP, St. Louis Cardinals (Previous: 50)
29. Tyler Bremner, RHP, Los Angeles Angels (Previous: 56)
30. Theo Gillen, CF, Tampa Bay Rays (Previous: 92)
31. Ralphy Velazquez, 1B, Cleveland Guardians (Previous: 33)
32. Jett Williams, SS, Milwaukee Brewers (Previous: 32)
33. JoJo Parker, SS, Toronto Blue Jays (Previous: 52)
34. Zyhir Hope, RF, Los Angeles Dodgers (Previous: 40)

50 FV
35. Cam Caminiti, LHP, Atlanta Braves (Previous: 53)
36. Jonah Tong, RHP, New York Mets (Previous: 31)
37. Noah Schultz, LHP, Chicago White Sox (Previous: 96)
38. Kaelen Culpepper, SS, Minnesota Twins (Previous: 79)
39. Angel Genao, SS, Cleveland Guardians (Previous: 80)
40. Gage Jump, LHP, Athletics (Previous: 42)
41. Jhonny Level, SS, San Francisco Giants (Previous: 84)
42. Emmanuel Rodriguez, CF, Minnesota Twins (Previous: 97)
43. Josh Hammond, SS, Kansas City Royals (Previous: 132)
44. Edward Florentino, CF, Pittsburgh Pirates (Previous: 78)
45. Eduardo Quintero, CF, Los Angeles Dodgers (Previous: 37)
46. Anthony Eyanson, RHP, Boston Red Sox (Previous: NR)
47. Eduardo Tait, C, Minnesota Twins (Previous: 38)
48. Didier Fuentes, RHP, Atlanta Braves (Previous: 88)
49. River Ryan, RHP, Los Angeles Dodgers (Previous: 125)
50. Jamie Arnold, LHP, Athletics (Previous: 60)

The Cleveland Guardians acquired two-time Gold Glove-winning catcher Patrick Bailey from the San Francisco Giants for the No. 29 pick in this year's MLB draft and left-handed pitching prospect Matt "Tugboat" Wilkinson.

Bailey, 26, is considered one of the best defensive catchers in the major leagues, though his struggles with the bat and Daniel Susac's imminent return from the injured list prompted the Giants to seek a deal for Bailey this week.

2024 No. 1 overall draft pick Travis Bazzana is set to make his major league debut with the Cleveland Guardians.

The promotion comes less than two years after Cleveland secured the top selection with just a 2% chance in the draft lottery. The Australian infielder will take the field at Progressive Field for the first time as a big leaguer.

To clear a roster spot, the Guardians will option Juan Brito to Triple-A Columbus. Bazzana steps directly into the starting second base role.

The 23-year-old has posted a .287/.422/.511 slash line across 24 Triple-A games this season. An oblique strain sidelined him for two months last summer, delaying what could have been an earlier arrival.

Several fellow top-10 picks from the 2024 draft class have already established themselves at the major league level. Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz, Reds pitcher Chase Burns, and Cardinals infielder JJ Wetherholt are among those who have made early impacts.

Bazzana entered 2026 ranked No. 22 by Baseball America, No. 16 by MLB Pipeline, No. 24 by Baseball Prospectus, and No. 50 by The Athletic's Keith Law among top MLB prospects.

Cleveland scouts praised his work ethic and character throughout the pre-draft evaluation process. His plate discipline and contact skills project him as a left-handed hitter capable of reaching base consistently, a fitting addition to a Guardians lineup that currently leads the majors in pitches seen per plate appearance.

Monday’s series opener will be broadcast locally on Space City Home Network (Astros feed) and Bally Sports Great Lakes (Guardians feed). First pitch is scheduled for 6:10 PM ET. Fans can stream the game in high definition on Fubo, which offers access to regional sports networks and national MLB coverage.

The Houston Astros (8-15) head into Progressive Field this Monday, April 20, in desperate need of a spark. Houston has struggled significantly away from home early in 2026, carrying a brutal eight-game road losing streak into this three-game set. They face a Cleveland Guardians (13-10) squad that currently sits atop the AL Central and has looked comfortable at home with a 7-3 record.

Houston’s offense is looking to bounce back behind Yordan Alvarez, who has been a bright spot with six home runs in his last 10 games. However, injuries have ravaged the Astros' depth, with Jeremy Peña and Joey Loperfido recently landing on the IL. Cleveland counters with a disciplined lineup led by perennial All-Star José Ramírez, who leads the team with six home runs and remains one of the toughest outs in the league. Catch every pitch live on Fubo.

The individual matchups center on a battle of young right-handers. Houston turns to Spencer Arrighetti (1-0), who has been a revelation with a 1.50 ERA and 1.17 WHIP. He faces Cleveland’s Slade Cecconi (0-2), who is searching for his first win of the season despite a high 5.03 ERA. You can witness this American League clash streaming live on Fubo.

The defining storyline for Houston is whether they can find rotation stability while stars like Cristian Javier and Hunter Brown recover from shoulder strains. For the Guardians, maintaining their efficiency with runners in scoring position will be key, as they are 10-4 when recording at least eight hits. Fubo is your home for the complete broadcast.

Astros vs. Guardians Betting Odds & Predictions

The Guardians enter the opener as slight favorites at home. While Arrighetti has been the better pitcher statistically, Houston’s struggles on the road have oddsmakers leaning toward Cleveland.

Prediction: Spencer Arrighetti gives Houston a real chance to snap the skid, but Cleveland’s bullpen remains one of the best in the AL. Expect a tight contest that hinges on late-inning execution. Final Score: Guardians 5, Astros 4.

Individual Matchups: Stars and Playmakers

The marquee matchup features the elite power of Yordan Alvarez against the high-velocity arsenal of Slade Cecconi. Alvarez has been scorching lately, leading the Astros in multiple offensive categories.

Cleveland relies on the power of José Ramírez and the recent emergence of Angel Martinez, who is batting .350 over his last 10 outings.

Stream the MLB on Fubo

Fubo is the essential destination for baseball fans. Catch regional sports networks like Space City Home Network and BSGL, national broadcasts, and premier matchups with the most flexible streaming plans available, ensuring you never miss a highlight from the Astros or Guardians.

Fubo: New subscribers can check out current promotions to ensure they have access to local and national MLB coverage for the season. Follow the Astros as they seek to navigate early-season hurdles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Monday’s series opener will be broadcast locally on Cardinals.TV (Cardinals feed) and Guardians.TV (Guardians feed), with additional streaming on ESPN+ and MLB.TV. First pitch is scheduled for 7:45 PM ET. Fans can stream the game in high definition on Fubo, which offers access to regional sports networks and national MLB coverage.

The Cleveland Guardians (9-7) head to St. Louis this Monday night to begin a three-game interleague set against the St. Louis Cardinals (8-7). Both teams are looking to shake off recent skids; Cleveland dropped a high-scoring affair to the Braves yesterday, while St. Louis is currently on a two-game losing streak. Despite the recent bumps, both clubs remain firmly in the mix in their respective divisions early in the 2026 campaign.

Cleveland's offense has found a reliable anchor in rookie Chase DeLauter, who is hitting .300 with four doubles and looks like the team's most dangerous bat. They’ll be tested by the Cardinals' power-heavy middle of the order, where Jordan Walker has been on a tear, launching six home runs over his last 10 games. Catch every pitch and home run live on Fubo.

The pitching matchup features a battle of young arms. The Guardians turn to Gavin Williams (RHP), who has been stellar with a 2.04 ERA and 25 strikeouts in his first 17.2 innings. He faces St. Louis southpaw Matthew Liberatore (LHP), who holds a 3.38 ERA and is looking to secure his first win of the season. You can witness this interleague clash streaming live on Fubo.

The defining storyline for Cleveland will be their bullpen management, as they look to return Hunter Gaddis to the active roster soon. For St. Louis, all eyes are on the health of Masyn Winn, who is currently day-to-day. If the Cardinals' defense can back up Liberatore's pitch-to-contact style, they have a strong chance of holding off the Guardians' aggressive base-running. Fubo is your home for the complete broadcast.

Guardians vs. Cardinals Betting Odds & Predictions

The Guardians enter the series opener as slight road favorites. Oddsmakers are backing Gavin Williams' elite early-season form, though the Cardinals' home-field advantage makes this a very tight line.

Prediction: Gavin Williams has shown the swing-and-miss stuff necessary to navigate the Cardinals' power hitters. While Jordan Walker is dangerous, Cleveland's offense has shown better depth recently. Final Score: Guardians 5, Cardinals 3.

Individual Matchups: Stars and Playmakers

The marquee matchup features the elite power of Jordan Walker against the high-octane fastball of Gavin Williams. Walker's ability to drive the ball to the gaps will be the key to the Cardinals' offense.

St. Louis relies on Jordan Walker and the contact hitting of Alec Burleson to pressure opposing rotations and support their pitching staff.

Stream the MLB on Fubo

Fubo is the essential destination for baseball fans. Catch regional sports networks like Guardians.TV and Cardinals.TV, national broadcasts, and premier matchups with the most flexible streaming plans available, ensuring you never miss a highlight from the Guardians or Cardinals.

Fubo: New subscribers can check out current promotions to ensure they have access to local and national MLB coverage for the season. Follow the Guardians as they aim to conquer the AL Central.

Frequently Asked Questions

Major League Baseball's average salary climbed 3.4% to a record $5.34 million on Opening Day, according to an Associated Press study, with the New York Mets topping league payrolls for the fourth consecutive year at $352.2 million.

Mets outfielder Juan Soto remains the sport's highest-paid player for the second straight season at $61.9 million annually, placing him among the highest-compensated athletes across all major North American professional sports. New York Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger ranks second at $42.5 million, followed by Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler and Mets third baseman Bo Bichette, who are tied at $42 million. Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. sits fifth at $40.2 million, just ahead of Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge at $40 million.

Across sports, the top of the market is converging. Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott carries an average annual value of approximately $60 million in the NFL, while Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry earns $59.6 million in the NBA this season, putting all three leagues within a narrow range at the very top of the pay scale.

The broader salary picture, however, differs considerably by sport. The NBA's average salary for roster players sits just under $14 million during the 2025-26 season, driven by smaller rosters that concentrate league revenue among fewer players. The NFL average was approximately $3.2 million in 2025, reflecting the league's significantly larger rosters. MLB's $5.34 million average falls between the two, though roster sizes in baseball and football are substantially larger than in basketball.

The Los Angeles Dodgers ranked second in MLB payroll at $316.6 million, down slightly from $319.5 million last year. Their figure would rise to $395.2 million without present-value discounting applied to deferred contracts for nine players.

MLB's average salary has grown 28 percent under the current five-year collective bargaining agreement, which expires in December, an average annual increase of 5.6%. Six clubs carried payrolls above $250 million, up from four a year ago, while eight teams fell below $100 million, an increase from five.

The Detroit Tigers posted the largest year-over-year spending increase at $64.2 million, reaching $206.7 million after signing pitcher Framber Valdez and giving a significant raise to ace Tarik Skubal through arbitration. The Minnesota Twins recorded the steepest decline, slashing $46.3 million from its Opening Day payroll to settle at $96.5 million.

The Cleveland Guardians were the MLB's lowest-spending team at $62.3 million, less than one-fifth of the Mets' total outlay.

Jose Ramirez entered exclusive company Monday night.

The Guardians' All-Star third baseman played in his 1,620th game, becoming Cleveland's franchise leader in games played.

Ramirez not only surpassed Terry Turner's mark, which stood more than 108 years, he also became the only active player to lead his team in games played.