Cleveland Guardians third baseman José Ramírez left Sunday's spring training game against the Athletics with a sore left shoulder after jamming it sliding into third base, manager Stephen Vogt confirmed. Vogt noted Ramírez would be reevaluated Monday. Despite the injury scare, Ramírez contributed early offensively, going 1-for-2 with a double in the second inning and stealing third base before exiting. The Guardians won 12-6, but the team faces uncertainty surrounding their seven-time All-Star's availability ahead of the regular season.

Ramírez, a franchise cornerstone since his 2013 debut, posted career-highs last season with 30 home runs and 85 RBIs while finishing third in AL MVP voting. The 33-year-old's durability has been a hallmark of his 13-year career, but this minor setback raises questions about his readiness for Opening Day. His 2026 campaign carries added stakes after signing the largest contract in franchise history -- a $175 million seven-year deal that dwarfs previous Guardians records.

The injury timing coincides with Cleveland's push for a postseason return after a 2024 ALDS exit. While Ramírez's power-speed combination (career .279 average with 285 homers and 949 RBIs) makes him irreplaceable, his absence could impact the Guardians' third-base depth during spring training. Vogt emphasized no long-term concerns, though the team may accelerate Kieboom's playing time if Ramírez remains sidelined.

$175 million contract underscores Ramírez's status as Cleveland's face of the franchise. His ability to stay healthy through 33 seasons will determine whether this historic investment pays off. For now, fans await Monday's evaluation to gauge how this minor ailment affects the Guardians' spring preparations.