He’s the guy who never leaves. In a league where "load management" has slowly crept from the NBA into the clubhouses of Major League Baseball, José Ramírez remains a total anomaly. If you’re looking for a Jose Ramirez injury update, the news is actually better than most Cleveland fans dared to hope after that scary finish to the 2025 season.
He’s fine. Seriously.
But saying he’s "fine" almost undersells what this man put himself through. Most of us remember that gut-wrenching moment late last year when he took a fastball to the face. It's the kind of play that ends seasons, or at the very least, messes with a hitter's psyche for a long time. Yet, as we head into the 2026 preseason, reports from the Guardians’ camp suggest he’s already back to his "regular off-season routine." No lingering setbacks. No permanent hardware in his jaw that we know of. Just the same J-Ram.
The 2025 Scares: Ankle, Wrist, and That Fastball
Last season was kind of a rollercoaster for Jose’s health. It felt like every two months, we were holding our breath.
First, there was the wrist sprain in late March after a messy slide into second. Then came the right ankle sprain in Toronto back in May. I remember watching that Blue Jays game; he got hit by an errant throw while running to first and then stepped on the bag awkwardly. He walked off on his own, but the collective gasp in Cleveland was audible.
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He missed a game here and there, but he never went on the Injured List. Think about that. The man hasn’t been on the IL since 2019 when he broke his hamate bone. In a sport where hamstrings snap like rubber bands, Ramírez is basically made of vibranium.
- The Wrist: Negative MRIs kept him out of the dugout for only a couple of days.
- The Ankle: Labeled "minor," and he was back within the week.
- The Face: The late-season HBP was the scariest, but he’s reportedly fully recovered.
Why We Worry (And Why We Shouldn't)
Look, he’s turning 33 this year. In baseball years, that’s when the "decline" talk usually starts getting loud. We saw a tiny dip in his power numbers a couple of years ago after he played through a torn UCL in his thumb. He eventually had surgery in the 2022-2023 offseason, and it took a minute for that strength to come back.
But honestly? He just put up another 30/30 season in 2025. That’s his third one. If he’s "declining," he’s doing it while outrunning guys ten years younger than him.
The concern for 2026 isn't really a specific injury. It’s the cumulative wear and tear. The Guardians are notoriously protective of their assets, and manager Stephen Vogt has been pretty vocal about "trusting Jose" when it comes to his body. If Jose says he can go, he goes. That’s the blessing and the curse. You love the grit, but you hate seeing him limp to the bus after a 12-inning night game.
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What the 2026 Outlook Looks Like
Right now, the Guardians' injury report is actually focused elsewhere. We’re looking at guys like Andrew Walters (lat surgery) and David Fry (facial fractures). Jose isn't even on the list. He’s expected to be a full participant when pitchers and catchers report—well, when he reports shortly after.
The lineup around him is changing. With Chase DeLauter and George Valera finally looking healthy, there’s a hope that Jose won't have to carry the entire offensive load on his back. That's the best "injury prevention" there is: not having to swing at junk because the guys behind you can actually drive you in.
Quick Facts on Jose's Durability
- Iron Man Status: He has played at least 152 games in almost every full season since 2016.
- Post-Surgery Success: After his 2022 thumb surgery, he bounced back to elite status within six months.
- The "Hosey" Factor: He famously told the front office he didn't want to be traded because he loved the city, and that loyalty translates to him playing through pain that would sideline most All-Stars.
What Most People Get Wrong About J-Ram’s Health
People see him hustle and assume he's 100% all the time. He isn't. He’s just better at 80% than most players are at 100%. If you see him stop pulling the ball or if his exit velocity dips for a two-week stretch, that’s usually your sign that he’s "managing" something.
But as of January 2026, the medical staff has given him the green light. There are no whispers of "cleanup" surgeries or restricted movement. He’s currently training in the Dominican Republic, doing his usual high-intensity work.
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Moving Forward into the Season
If you’re a fantasy owner or just a die-hard Cleveland fan, the move here is to stop worrying about the "what ifs." Jose Ramírez has proven he knows his limit. The fact that he’s already through his recovery from the late-2025 facial injury means he’s coming into Spring Training with a clear head—literally.
Practical Next Steps for Fans:
- Watch the early Spring Training box scores: Don't look at the hits; look at the plate appearances. If he's seeing 3-4 ABs early on, his timing and physical comfort are right where they need to be.
- Monitor the "B-games": Sometimes the veteran guys take their reps on the backfields to avoid the bus trips. If he's skipping the travel squad, it's veteran rest, not a setback.
- Check the exit velocity data: Once Statcast starts humming in March, keep an eye on his hard-hit rate. If he's barreling balls early, that hand/wrist strength is fully back.
He’s the engine of this team. As long as #11 is at the hot corner, the Guardians have a shot at the AL Central.