Indians’ 3B Ramirez out with broken hand for playoff push

CLEVELAND (AP) — Indians third baseman José Ramírez has a broken right hand, an injury that could be a blow to the club’s playoff hopes.

Cleveland placed Ramírez on the injured list Sunday, saying the two-time All-Star has a fractured hamate bone. He was removed from Saturday’s game in the first inning after swinging at a pitch.

There is no immediate timetable on Ramírez’s return, but the Indians can’t afford to be without him for any time as they try to catch the first-place Minnesota Twins in the AL Central.

Ramírez started slowly this season, but he’s been on a tear lately and has again been one of the Indians’ best hitters.

Ramírez’s injury is latest obstacle for the Indians. Two-time Cy Young winner Corey Kluber has been out since May 1 with a broken arm, and starter Carlos Carrasco is being treated following a leukemia diagnosis.

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