Jose Ramirez Struggles Continue as Cleveland Faces Chicago White Sox in ALDS Game 3

Guardians Prepare for ALDS Decider Against White Sox

The Cleveland Guardians are set to play Game 3 of their American League Division Series (ALDS) against the Chicago White Sox, a matchup that fans have waited 120 years to clinch at home, according to Sports Illustrated. The series has seen Cleveland score zero runs in Game 1 and three runs in Game 2. Ramirez scored in Game 2 but remains without a hit in both games of the current playoff round. Ramirez hits second in the lineup for the Guardians. His performance in this spot can impact rallies at the top of the order, according to the publication.

Postoffseason Offensive Slump

Ramirez is currently 0-for-6 in the postseason with two walks. He had hand surgery over the summer and is not at 100% swinging the bat, which may contribute to his current offensive output. Winning the division provided Ramirez a week off before the playoffs began, but hits have been difficult to find since that break ended. This slump marks a continuation of difficulties for the third baseman in high-leverage situations. His last notable postseason success occurred in 2022, when he went 10-for-30 in seven games with four RBI and seven strikeouts. In the previous year's playoffs, Ramirez finished 7-for-35 in 10 games as his team lost to the New York Yankees in the ALCS. In the postseason prior to that, he went 2-for-8 as the Guardians fell in three games to the Detroit Tigers.

Team Playoff History

The Guardians' recent playoff history has been marked by inconsistent results. Jim Berdysz tweeted that the team is now 11-24 in their last 35 playoff games since being up 3-1 to the Cubs in the 2016 World Series. Ramirez's struggles are part of a broader pattern for the franchise in recent postseason play. The team has yet to advance past the divisional round in the current cycle as they face elimination or advancement depending on the outcome of Game 3.