José Ramírez carries a 37-game on-base streak into Seattle as the Guardians face the Mariners on June 13, 2025. Can the struggling offense support him?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Every single night, Cleveland fans can count on one thing: José Ramírez finding his way on base. The Guardians' heart and soul extended his career-best on-base streak to a staggering 37 games on the eve of their West Coast road trip, a beacon of consistency for a team desperately searching for an offensive identity. As they head into T-Mobile Park to face the Mariners, the question isn't if J-Ram will deliver, but if the rest of the lineup can follow his lead.
José Ramírez has now reached base safely in 37 consecutive games, the longest active streak in Major League Baseball.
It's hard to overstate how vital José Ramírez has been. His 37-game on-base streak isn't just a personal best; it's the longest active streak in the entire league. He's also riding an 11-game hitting streak, essentially carrying the offense on his back. His singular brilliance stands in stark contrast to the team's collective struggles at the plate, where the Guardians rank just 23rd in MLB in both batting average (.234) and runs scored (265). As they prepare for a tough series in Seattle, they need to find production from other spots in the order to support their superstar.
The offensive struggles are compounded by a pitching staff that is being held together by sheer grit. The injured list reads like a who's who of the team's best arms: Shane Bieber, Ben Lively, Paul Sewald, John Means, and Trevor Stephan are all sidelined. Despite these massive losses, the pitching staff has managed to keep the team in games, posting a respectable 3.89 team ERA, good for 16th in the majors. It's a testament to the club's depth and the 'next man up' mentality, but it's a formula that is being tested every single day.
Some help may be on the way, as catcher Austin Hedges is eligible to return from the 7-day concussion IL and has resumed baseball activities. His veteran presence behind the plate would be a welcome sight for the beleaguered pitching staff. Looking further down the pipeline, the farm system offers both promise and a cautionary tale. Catcher Cooper Ingle is rocketing up prospect rankings after winning High-A MVP honors and posting a phenomenal 160 wRC+. On the flip side, Single-A pitcher Jogly Garcia, who was dominating with a 2.05 ERA and 54 strikeouts, was just placed on the injured list, a tough break for a promising young arm.
All eyes turn to the Pacific Northwest as the Guardians (35-32) kick off a crucial series against the Mariners tonight. The 10:10 pm ET start will be a test of focus, but more importantly, a test of offensive resolve. Can the lineup find the spark it needs from someone other than José Ramírez? With the pitching staff stretched thin, run support is more critical than ever. This weekend in Seattle could set the tone for the rest of this pivotal road trip.
