CLEVELAND, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – There wasn’t much fun had on the latest Guardians road trip that saw them go 1-6, but Sunday’s All-Star announcements surely brightened the mood in the clubhouse.
“In the midst of a really tough road trip, it was a nice minute,” manager Terry Francona said.
After Francona explained to the younger players how to stay fresh through the All-Star break, he then announced their three All-Stars to the clubhouse - closer Emmanuel Clase and second baseman Andres Gimenez join perennial AL MVP candidate and third baseman Jose Ramirez at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles next week.
“I think everybody knew Jose was going to be an All-Star, but it’s still fun to get to say his name in front of his teammates and let them acknowledge him,” Francona said. “I got a big kick out of that. Then Clase, again I think everybody felt like Emmanuel’s going to make the All-Star team, but it was his first one and you could see by his face how meaningful it was.
And then we introduced Gimenez, and the place went bananas.”
Ramirez, who signed a seven-year, $141 million contract to stay with the Guardians earlier this year, is hitting .290 with 29 doubles, 4 triples, 17 home runs, 50 runs scored and 66 RBI in 80 games to date. He currently leads the American League in extra base hits (50), RBI and doubles.
“We’re really happy for them,” Ramirez said, speaking through interpreter Agustin Rivero. “To be alongside with them [is special] because it’s their first selection, but most importantly because I really feel they deserve going to the game.”
Entering play Monday, Gimenez is hitting .299 with nine home runs and 40 RBI while Clase leads the American League in saves with 19 in 21 opportunities that has seen him hold opposing hitters to a .178 average this season.
Call-ed up – The Guardians brought up outfielder Alex Call from AAA Columbus and designated outfielder Oscar Mercado for assignment Monday.
“He played all three outfield positions and has really put a lot of work into his swing and it kind of showed,” Francona said.
Call, 27, makes his big-league debut in his seventh professional season. He was hitting .283 with 16 doubles, 11 home runs and 44 RBI. He’s also walked 48 times in 68 games.
“[We’re] Trying to get a look at people,” Francona said. “Nothing against [Oscar Mercado] but we’ve seen Oscar. I know it was difficult for him because it was the second time, but when we have an opportunity to see somebody, if we let that opportunity pass, we might not get it again so [the front office] feels this a good chance to look at this kid.”
Catcher Sandy Leon was also outrighted to Columbus after Leon accepted the assignment.
Getting their groove back – The Guardians have hit the skids having lost 14 of their last 19 games since June 23, which followed a stretch that saw them win 17 of 21 from May 30-June 22.
“You go through periods where you’re just good enough to win and sometimes you’re good enough to lose,” Francona said. “Sometimes you get beat up. All teams go through it. Young teams, when they’re going through it they haven’t gone through it at this level so you just try to balance reminding them about playing the game right and not beating them over the head. That doesn’t really help anybody.”
Over the weekend Francona and his staff reminded them about playing the game the right way and letting the results take care of themselves.
“Nobody can guarantee wins. If I could, I would,” Francona said. “We can’t, but what we can guarantee is how we play and that’s kind of from Day 1 I’ve hung our hat on and said, ‘We’re going to play this game this way and then win, lose or draw, we’ll do it together.’”
Future stars – Nine players on the Guardians roster have appeared in the Futures Game during All-Star week.
“I think they’ve done an excellent job [in the front office],” Francona said. “I don’t know that the Futures Game necessarily means, I wouldn’t base it on that… But I think our guys have done a really good job [amassing young talent].”
27th man – Starter Konnor Pilkington, who remained with the Guardians on the road trip, will start the night game of Tuesday’s day-night double header against the White Sox.