A couple hours after telling reporters on Wednesday that he was withdrawing from his starting gig at third base for the American League All-Stars because of a sore right ankle, Ramirez led the Guardians to a three-game sweep of the Astros with a 4-2 win at Daikin Park.

The Guardians claimed a surprising series win over Houston after entering the three-game set mired in a 10-game skid. The Astros dropped back-to-back home contests for the first time since suffering a three-game sweep to the San Francisco Giants in their first homestand of the year.

The Guardians won the series opener last night, 7-5, to snap a ten-game losing streak. Jose Ramirez and David Fry each homered to spark the Guardians’ attack and Houston’s offense was limited to just five hits by Tanner Bibee and four relievers.

Preview the July 9 matchup between the Houston Astros and Cleveland Guardians with odds over/under, game spread, betting lines and more.

A direct result of the numerous injuries that have thinned Houston's roster this season has been the steady stream of minor leaguers making their big league debuts for the Astros.

Houston finished 2-for-21 with runners in scoring position as the Astros lost a second consecutive game to Cleveland.

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.