J-Ram opting out of ASG, replaced by Paredes on AL roster

HOUSTON -- After he puts the finishing touches on his stellar first half this weekend in Chicago, José Ramírez will spend the All-Star break gearing up to finish 2025 strong for the Guardians.

MLB announced that Ramírez will not play in or attend the 2025 MLB All-Star Game presented by Mastercard, as he will instead focus on recovery and the second half of the season. Astros third baseman Isaac Paredes has replaced the 32-year-old on the American League’s roster for the Midsummer Classic, which is set for Tuesday at Atlanta’s Truist Park.

Ramírez made specific reference to the right ankle he sprained on a third-inning infield single at Toronto on May 2. After being hit in the back by an errant throw from Blue Jays pitcher Chris Bassitt, Ramírez collided with the extended left arm of Toronto first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and plunged to the ground after stepping on first base.

“Everything started with that collision with Vladdy in Toronto,” Ramírez said through team interpreter Agustin Rivero before Wednesday night’s game against the Astros at Daikin Park. “It was after that we haven’t been able to get any rest, so it hasn’t gotten any better since then.

“I’ve been a long time thinking about it trying to maximize how long we can wait ‘cause I’ve been working with [manager Stephen Vogt] trying to find some time off whenever possible to give some rest to the ankle, even getting the DH time. … I want to go to the All-Star Game, especially with the support from the fans, but I feel the best thing for the team is to be able to be fresh and contribute to our team in the second half.”

Ramírez was named the AL’s starting third baseman for the All-Star Game on July 2, which marked his seventh career nod and fourth start (also 2017, ’18 and ’24). He earned it amid yet another impressive campaign for the Guardians.

Through 87 games this season (entering Wednesday), Ramírez has slashed .299/.364/.503 with 17 doubles, 16 homers, 44 RBIs, 24 stolen bases and 32 walks compared to 41 strikeouts. He has recorded 2 Outs Above Average defensively, tied for sixth in the Majors (with seven others) among third baseman.

He served as the designated hitter in Tuesday night’s 10-6, 10-inning victory over the Astros, contributing a two-run homer and scoring another pair of runs after twice stealing second base uncontested. Vogt said anything Ramírez is dealing with physically won’t be detected via the naked eye.

“That’s the beauty of Hosey,” Vogt said. “He’s never gonna let anybody know what’s going on with him. He’s always gonna keep playing. That’s what the best players do -- they stay on the field. But tangibly, you can’t see anything, and that just speaks to who he is.”

Vogt said he knew Ramírez had been weighing whether to bypass next week’s showcase in Atlanta, where the Guardians will still have representation in AL reserve outfielder Steven Kwan.

“I said, ‘Hosey, this is your decision, man. You know your body. This is your honor, so if you feel strongly enough that you need the four days, then of course we’re gonna support your decision,’” Vogt said. “Really, it’s pretty incredible what he’s been doing if he’s not feeling well enough to play in the All-Star Game.”

Ramírez said he regrets a missed opportunity to mingle with some of baseball’s new young faces and admitted his family “would really like to go.”

“But I feel like the best for me is not going there,” Ramírez said. “Because if you’re there, you have to participate in those beautiful events that they set up for you. So I think I’m going to take the days to rest as much as possible.”

Ramírez has appeared in all but three of the Guardians’ first 90 games this season, despite a few injury scares. He suffered a right wrist sprain on March 29, in Cleveland’s second game of the season, on a headfirst slide into second base on a stolen-base attempt. Ramírez missed one game before returning to the starting lineup on March 31, when he went 3-for-4 with a solo homer against the Padres.

Ramírez was hit by a pitch on his right wrist by Toronto’s Kevin Gausman on June 26. He once more returned to the starting lineup after just a one-game absence. After going 0-for-20 in his first five games back, he has gone 6-for-18 with one double, three homers, six RBIs, four walks and two strikeouts in five games since.

The beneficiary of Ramírez’s decision hoped to thank him during Wednesday’s game.

"I haven't spoken to him yet,” Paredes said, “but in the game if I have the opportunity, I will. I’ll ask him why he’s not going, but also I’ll be very appreciative for the opportunity of letting me go to the All-Star Game.”