Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez is an absolute superstar. Fans know it. Coaches know it. Chase DeLauter knows it. DeLauter, who has been protecting Ramirez in the lineup by hitting right behind him, even called Ramirez the “GOAT” while speaking to reporters ahead of Game 2 of the American League Championship Series on Tuesday.

“Yeah, he's the GOAT, man,” DeLauter said, via Mason Horodyski of News 5 Cleveland. “I think we feed off of him. When he comes out and has that kind of fire, it lights all of us up. That's our leader, that's a guy we want to follow. He's a true Hall of Famer for a reason, and that's why.”

Ramirez and DeLauter both led the way in Game 1. Cleveland won the contest by a final score of 7-3. The Guardians' No. 2 and No. 3 hitters in the lineup combined for six hits, five runs scored and two RBI.

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Cleveland's lineup has been thin at times over the years, giving opposing ball clubs opportunities to work around Ramirez. With DeLauter swinging a hot bat, the Rays will have to think twice before deciding to walk him, however. Ramirez can also steal a base and get into scoring position — something that impacted Monday's game as well.

Ramirez and DeLauter will look to set the tone again on Tuesday night as Cleveland hopes to provide run support for starting pitcher Parker Messick. The Guardians would obviously love to take a 2-0 series lead on the road before heading back home to Cleveland for Games 3-5.