Cleveland Guardians star third baseman Ramirez's shoulder injury improves, now under daily observation.

Cleveland Guardians fans can breathe a sigh of relief. Star third baseman José Ramírez's left shoulder appears to be fine.

Ramírez left Monday's 12-6 win over the Athletics early after colliding with his left shoulder while sliding into third base. However, the Guardians seem to have dodged a bullet, as manager Stephen Vogt stated that Ramírez felt much better on Monday.

"He's much better today," Vogt said. "José left the game due to shoulder soreness, but he feels much better today, much better. We'll reassess him daily. He should be fine in a few more days."

Ramírez had some inflammation in his shoulder on Monday, but Vogt indicated the 33-year-old veteran did not undergo any imaging tests. The Guardians medical staff examined Ramírez's sensation and tested his shoulder on Monday. Given the examination results and Ramírez's overnight improvement, there are currently no plans for any imaging tests.

In Monday's game, Ramírez hit a double in the second inning and then stole third base. He remained in the game through the third inning and the top of the fourth, originally scheduled to bat second in the bottom of the fourth. However, Ramírez told Vogt he needed to exit, and Carter Kieboom pinch-hit for him.

"Ramírez was evaluated after the game," Vogt said. "The key factor was how he felt when he arrived today? And he felt much better."

Ramírez appeared briefly in the Guardians locker room during media availability today in good spirits, with no wrapping on his shoulder. Of course, with only 10 days left until Opening Day, the Guardians will be extremely cautious. At this point, there's no need to risk further issues.

Even if Ramírez hadn't injured his shoulder, he likely would not have played Monday anyway. Many regular Guardians players were not in the starting lineup for the night game against the Cubs. Ramírez could probably return to the starting lineup tomorrow.

Given that the Guardians have a day off on Thursday, they could opt to give him a full three-day rest and see how he feels Friday against the Kansas City Royals.

Kieboom started at third base on Tuesday. The 28-year-old is a non-roster invitee to this year's Major League spring training camp. The Guardians' third base depth also includes utility players Daniel Schneemann and Gabriel Arias. Arias is expected to be Cleveland's Opening Day starting shortstop, but given that Brayan Rocchio can play shortstop, Arias could also shift to third base.

Of course, these are contingency plans only for the worst-case scenario, which the Guardians hope they have already avoided.

Ramírez has been remarkably durable throughout his illustrious 13-year career, entering the injury list only once. On August 26, 2019, he underwent surgery for a fractured right hamate bone, expected to require five to seven weeks for recovery. Ramírez returned to the lineup on September 24, going 2-for-3 with two home runs and seven RBIs in an 11-0 victory over the White Sox.

Even last season, Ramírez played 158 games despite a series of injuries. He sprained his right wrist against the Royals on March 29, sprained his right ankle against the Blue Jays on May 2, and was hit by a pitch from Kevin Gausman, injuring his right wrist, on June 26.

Ramírez has played at least 152 games each season over the past five years. His talent is exceptional, but his ability to play every day is equally remarkable.

"Yes, absolutely, especially considering how hard he plays," Vogt said. "But he takes care of himself very well, José knows his body extremely well. Recall last year in Toronto, he fell near first base. While lying on the ground, he said, 'I need a day off, then I can play.' He really understands himself."