Guardians’ José Ramírez leaves with ankle sprain after stumbling over 1B

TORONTO — Cleveland Guardians star José Ramírez sprained his right ankle and left Friday’s game against the Toronto Blue Jays in the third inning after being struck by a throw from pitcher Chris Bassitt as he stumbled awkwardly over first base on an infield single.

With Steven Kwan at first base and two outs, Ramírez hit a slow roller toward the mound. Right-hander Bassitt’s throw to first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit Ramírez on the upper back, and the six-time All-Star stumbled over the base before falling in the dirt.

Ramírez lay on his back for a moment before receiving attention from an athletic trainer, then stood and walked off the field. The Guardians said Ramírez had a mild right ankle sprain.

Daniel Schneemann ran for Ramírez and went to second base, with Gabriel Arias moving from second to third.

Ramírez went 2-for-2 before departing, boosting his average to .274. He has five home runs and 15 RBIs in 31 games.

A day earlier, during a 4-3 win over Minnesota, Ramírez became the first primary third baseman to reach 250 homers and 250 stolen bases. He stole another base in the first inning Friday.