Indians' Ramirez leaves game after fouling ball off forearm

After being held out of the lineup for three games last week with a sore right wrist, Jose Ramirez was replaced by Erik Gonzalez in the middle of his at-bat in the sixth inning Monday after fouling the ball off his left forearm.

Ramirez was removed for precautionary reasons with a left forearm contusion after the pitch, according to Jordan Bastian of MLB.com.

In a pretty freakish play, Detroit Tigers pitcher Warwick Saupold delivered an inside pitch to Ramirez. The Cleveland Indians infielder pulled back from the plate to avoid the offering, and in doing so released his bat. The ball then deflected off the bat before plunking him on the forearm.

Originally, the play was called a hit-by-pitch by the umpire. However, after the Tigers contested the decision, it was overturned on review and changed to a foul ball. Gonzalez entered the game and promptly lined out on the next pitch.

With the Indians in the middle of a historic win streak, Ramirez has been a key cog in the club's meteoric rise. Through 137 games, the 24-year-old is slashing .308/.361/.566 with 26 home runs and 15 stolen bases. Heading into Monday's contest against the Tigers, the utility infielder ranked 10th in WAR among all qualified batters.