Cleveland Indians Roundup: Jose Ramirez Injured in Winter League; Plus, Which Rule 5 Eligible-Players to Protect

Clevelinks: Cleveland Indians Infielder Jose Ramirez Removed From Winter League Game With Injury

Cleveland Indians utility man Jose Ramirez had a scary moment on Wednesday night, when he was carted off the field on a stretcher during a Dominican Winter League Game, but it seems as if the Tribe infielder will be just fine.

Ramirez, who is playing for Toros del Este this winter, was injured when Moises Sierra slide hard into second base. He tried to get up to walk off the field under his own power but wasn’t able to, leading to speculation that the injury could be serious, especially after he was taken to the hospital via ambulance.

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Luckily, x-rays on his leg were negative for a fracture, and Ramirez’s winter league team has listed him as “day-to-day” – which is the best possible outcome given the circumstances. He’s expected to be available on Friday if needed, and the team reported that the injury to his ankle is considered minor.

Playing “extracurricular” baseball in the off-season – including prospects in the Arizona Fall League and major leaguers in winter ball – always comes with the risk of injuries. But the benefits outweigh the risks, which is why teams continue to allow and even encourage their players to participate.

In Case You Missed It:

Predicting the Tribe’s 2015 Rule 5 Draft Roster Decisions – Matt Bretz offers his thoughts on which eligible Indians’ minor leaguers should be protected before the deadline for the Rule 5 Draft. With a limited number of 40-man roster spots, who will be left out?

Indians Sign Shane Robinson, Adam Moore to Minor League Deals –  The Cleveland Indians signed outfielder Shane Robinson and catcher Adam Moore to Minor League deals with an invitation to Spring Training on Thursday. What does that mean for the team?

The Offseason Search for Offense: Volume Three – Merritt Rohlfing continues his series, in which he explores potential upgrades to the Tribe’s offense. Be sure to check out what he has to say about Jackie Bradley, Jr. as well as the rest of the series!

Tribe Rumors: A Potential Brett Gardner Deal – The Indians have plenty of starters, but pitching is too valuable to trade away for just anyone. Rumor has it, they’re considering swapping a starter for New York Yankees’ outfielder Brett Gardner. Is it worth it?

#Indians:

Next: Is Jose Ramirez Too Valuable to Trade?

Around the Web:

Motor City Bengals: Should Tigers Trade for Matt Moore? – Motor City Bengals makes the case that the Detroit Tigers’ once-unbeatable starting pitching has been depleted to the point where it’s time to consider trading for a proven starter – in this case, Matt Moore.