Cleveland’s playoff push takes big hit with injury to Ramirez
Cleveland third baseman Jose Ramirez will undergo surgery Monday on the fractured hamate bone in his right hand, an injury that typically takes more than a month to heal.
The two-time All-star is batting .254 with 33 doubles, 20 home runs and 75 RBIS in 126 games this season. He entered Sunday second in the majors in extra-base hits (32) and third in RBIS (40) in the second half.
The Indians, who have won the past three American League Central titles, trail Minnesota by3 games atop the division and hold a wildcard spot in a tight race with Tampa Bay and Oakland for two berths.
Blue Jays: Right-hander Clay Buchholz lasted six innings and 65 pitches in his first start since May 5, allowing two runs in
Toronto’s 3-1 loss at Seattle. The 35-year-old started the season on the injured list with a right elbow strain and then sustained a Grade 2 shoulder strain in May.
White Sox: Right-hander Reynaldo Lopez was pulled due to dehydration and flu-like symptoms after pitching five no-hit innings in Chicago’s 2-0 win over Texas. The 25-year-old has a 2.82 ERA in his past nine starts.
Twins: Center fielder Byron Buxton (left shoulder strain), sidelined since Aug. 1, went 1-for-2 with a double and a run in his first game of a rehabilitation assignment with Class-a Cedar Rapids.
Phillies: Right fielder Bryce Harper, who missed Philadelphia’s weekend series at Miami while on paternity leave, is expected to rejoin the team when it returns home Monday.