Alexei Ramirez rebounding defensively, makes two nice plays vs. Tribe

Alexei Ramirez was the least productive shortstop in baseball during the season’s first half, but his defense at least shows signs of improvement.

Ramirez had a pair of nice plays Sunday against the Indians, bare-handing a grounder to kick off a double play and later stretching out to snare a line drive.

Here’s the diving catch, which robbed Jason Kipnis of a hit in the sixth inning:

And here’s the bare-handed pickup to start a double play in the third inning:

Ramirez still has work to do to fix his offensive numbers this season, having posted a dismal .231/.256/.314 slash line.

Manager Robin Ventura addressed the offensive issue recently, while mentioning the uptick in his defense.

“Hitting wise, he’ll improve,” Ventura said. “He’s a guy that at the end of the year you look up and he’s hitting .270. Defensively, he’s turned around what was a slow start the first half. Hitting wise, he’ll end up hitting, he always has.”