Ramirez thriving as Indians’ ‘protection hitter’

CLEVELAND — Jose Ramirez has a natural strut in his step. The Indians’ versatile utility man carries himself like a much larger man than the short, stocky player he is for Cleveland.

This season, Ramirez has been posting numbers that have matched the hitch in his walk. He has a way of igniting a rally or keeping one going, and Indians manager Terry Francona has rewarded Ramirez with a regular place in the fifth spot of the lineup, even if the switch-hitter might not look the part.

“He’s really good protection for the guys in the middle,” Francona said. “He may not look like it in stature, but he’ll give you a good at-bat, and I think that’s very important sitting there.”

One thing Francona loves in a “protection hitter” is the ability to consistently make contact. That is one reason the manager has often referred to Detroit’s Victor Martinez as the best fit for that role in baseball. Francona also sees similarities in Ramirez. Cleveland’s utility man might not boast the same kind of power, but he bats from both sides and consistently puts the ball in play.

Heading into Sunday’s game, Ramirez’s 87.3 contact …

continue reading in source mlb.mlb.com