José Ramírez Reaches 1,000 RBIs as Guardians Take AL Central Lead

José Ramírez reached 1,000 career RBIs with a sixth-inning home run Friday night, punctuating a 5-3 Cleveland Guardians comeback over the Athletics that moved Cleveland one game clear atop the American League Central.

The milestone blast was Ramírez’s 12th homer of the season and No. 297 of his career. He became only the second player in Cleveland franchise history to drive in 1,000 runs, joining Earl Averill, who finished with 1,084.

It also came at a critical point in the division race. Cleveland improved to 79-75 and moved one game ahead of the Chicago White Sox, who lost 11-8 to Detroit after blowing a six-run lead.

Ramírez turns milestone into insurance

The Guardians trailed 3-0 after the first inning before gradually taking control at Progressive Field. Brayan Rocchio tied the game with a two-run double and Ramírez followed with an RBI single in the fourth.

Rookie Travis Bazzana then put Cleveland in front in the fifth, launching his 15th home run of the season 411 feet to center field.

One inning later, Ramírez added the moment that defined the night. Facing Seth Johnson with two outs, he drove a 90.5 mph slider 401 feet to right field at 102.4 mph off the bat. The solo shot stretched Cleveland’s lead to 5-3 and delivered career RBI No. 1,000.

The crowd gave Ramírez an extended ovation when he returned to third base in the seventh inning and the milestone appeared on the Progressive Field scoreboard.

Only Averill remains ahead in Cleveland history

Ramírez has spent his entire Major League career with Cleveland since debuting in 2013. Reaching 1,000 RBIs leaves him 84 behind Averill’s franchise record of 1,084.

The seven-time All-Star is also approaching another major round number with 297 career home runs. Despite an injury-interrupted 2026 season that included surgery for a fractured left hamate, Ramírez remains central to Cleveland’s late-season push.

He is now one of 12 active Major League players with at least 1,000 career RBIs.

Cantillo shuts down Athletics after rough first inning

Oakland’s early lead came on Zack Gelof’s three-run homer off opener Daniel Espino, but the Athletics did not score again.

Joey Cantillo followed Espino with six scoreless innings, allowing only two hits and striking out five. Hunter Gaddis and Cade Smith completed the combined three-hitter, with Smith earning his 38th save.

Cleveland has now won three straight and is 18-9 since August 20. With eight regular-season games remaining, the Guardians control first place in an AL Central race that remains tight enough for every result to matter.