HOUSTON — Baseball fans know what an intentional walk is. For a refresher, just look at what happens when Jose Ramirez comes to the plate in a game-deciding situation. He’s waved to first base on a free pass. Pitchers don’t even have to throw four pitches off the plate anymore.

José Ramírez homered for a third straight game, Angel Martínez also went deep and the Cleveland Guardians got a 4-2 win over the Houston Astros on Wednesday night to complete a three-game sweep. Slade Cecconi (4-4) allowed five hits and two runs with a career-best nine strikeouts in 7-plus innings for the win.

(AP) — Cleveland Guardians third baseman José Ramírez will no longer be playing in the 2025 MLB All-Star Game. Houston third baseman Isaac Paredes was picked Wednesday to replace Ramírez, who had been the starting third baseman. The Guardians said Ramírez wanted “to focus on recovery and preparation for the second half of the season.”

However, Cleveland's eighth-ranked prospect has spent more time on the injured list this season than on the field, and Brito is headed right back to the IL following a recent injury. The organization announced on Tuesday that Brito has been placed on the 7-day injured list with a left hamstring strain.

An inability to score runs has caused the Cleveland Guardians to fall rapidly in the American League Central standings.

The Guardians were one strike away from a huge win against Tarik Skubal and the Tigers. Then it fell apart in stunning fashion.

Jul 7, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Cleveland Guardians third base and infield coach Rouglas Odor (53) celebrates with designated hitter David Fry (6) after his home run against the Houston Astros in the ninth inning at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images / Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

HOUSTON (WKBN) — The Cleveland Guardians re-signed pitcher Kolby Allard to a minor league contract and recalled him from Triple-A Columbus on Wednesday. In a corresponding roster move, left-handed pitcher Tim Herrin was optioned to Triple-A Columbus.