Guardians' Jose Ramirez puts on defensive clinic in win over Yankees

New York Post

a day ago

Access the Yankees beat like never before
Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Greg Joyce about the inside buzz on the Yankees. Try it free
An All-Star third baseman walked into Yankee Stadium and was a wall on Wednesday night, but he wasn't dressed in pinstripes.
The Guardians' José Ramírez showed what a top-flight third baseman can do on the diamond.
He was a key part of two double plays and additionally hit a double in Cleveland's big first inning to kick off their 4-0 victory over the Yankees.
In the bottom of the second inning, Anthony Volpe grounded to Ramírez, who completed the double play to end the frame in three batters for starting pitcher Luis Ortiz.
In the bottom of the sixth, Ben Rice hit a grounder to the six-time All-Star and he was initially called safe before the Guardians successfully challenged for the double play call.
Ramírez sprinted over to Ortiz on the mound and pounded the pitcher's chest in celebration just before the righty's exit.
The inning ended two batters later on a grounder from Cody Bellinger.
Guardians third baseman José Ramírez throws out a runner during the fifth inning of the Yankees' 4-0 loss on June 4, 2025.
Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
'It's a big sense of pride. He's always been a big supporter of myself,' Ortiz said through an interpreter of his teammate after the win. 'It was a big moment for me, knowing that somebody will support me that much like he does when he pumps me up in that situation.'
'José is the best teammate on the planet. One of the best players on the planet,' Cleveland manager Stephen Vogt added. 'A double play he turned tonight, that's super special. That's a heady play and you've got to be pretty good. But José cares about his teammates. He wanted to go pump up Luis. He wanted to make sure that he knew he did a great job and that's José.'
José Ramírez rips a double during the Guardians' three-run first inning in their win over the Yankees.
Getty Images
Ramírez is also a big hitter at Yankee Stadium, though he didn't exactly have it on Wednesday, going 1-for-5 with two strikeouts.
Nevertheless, prior to Wednesday, the five-time Silver Slugger had batted .398 with an 1.189 OPS all time at the ballpark. He has also hit nine home runs in The Bronx throughout his 13-year career.
In the series opener — a 3-2 Yankees victory on Tuesday — Ramírez went 2-for-4.