News and Notes: Jose Ramirez Ends the Guardians' Losing Streak
News and Notes for Saturday, April 5th, 2025
Jose Ramirez hits three home runs last night and put the Guardians on his back to carry them to an 8-6 win over the Angels, breaking a three-game losing streak.
The non-Clase bullpen arms provided five scoreless innings, Gabriel Arias had a great game with a single and two walks, and Brayan Rocchio was 2 for 3 with two singles.
I do see some emerging concerns:
-Bo Naylor’s improved Spring Training approach hasn't translated to games, but as a slow starter, this doesn't particularly concern me. What does concern me is calling for first-pitch fastballs to the first 11 Angels' hitters. I am not sure why Naylor seems to struggle with pitch-calling with a coaching team of catchers and Austin Hedges to guide him, but Williams has good secondary stuff and hitters are just sitting on his fastball. Naylor has to improve at game-calling.
-Rocchio with another TOOTBLAN. Folks, someone has to tell this kid that he needs to adopt an opportunistic approach on the bases and stop viewing himself as a speedster/base stealer. He, unequivocally, is not.
-Clase gave up a home run and a double to go with the usual bloop single. Not ideal. Not sure what's going on there.
-Jose Ramirez made an error for his third straight game. Likely a small sample size, but a tad concerning.
If you're gonna make an error, hitting three homers in the same game is the best way to compensate. And, that's who Jose is - a player who brings us joy every day he takes the field.
The Guardians are ready to show off the stadium improvements at Progressive Field.
Around MLB:
The Royals beat the Orioles and the Tigers beat the White Sox
The Dodgers lost, hallelujah!