Mariners Acquire Carlos Ruiz from the Dodgers
The Mariners acquired catcher Carlos Ruiz from the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for left-handed pitcher Vidal Nuno, Mariners GM Jerry Dipoto announced today.
“First and foremost, Carlos brings us a veteran presence with outstanding leadership qualities and a winning pedigree,” Dipoto said. “His combination of strong on-base skills, situational awareness and game calling ability are a welcome addition to the Mariners.”
Ruiz hit .264 with 21 runs, 8 doubles, 3 home runs, 15 RBI and a .365 on-base percentage in 62 games with the Phillies and Dodgers in 2016. He was traded from the Phillies to the Dodgers on Aug. 25.
In 2016, Ruiz ranked 4th in on-base percentage among catchers with at least 200 plate appearances. He also led National League catchers with at least 50 games played in caught stealing percentage, throwing out 15-of-36 would-be base stealers for a mark of 41.7%.
Throughout his 11-year Major League career, Ruiz has been a steady presence behind the plate and on the base paths. He has a .352 career on-base percentage, 6th-best all-time among catchers to appear in at least 1,000 games. Among active catchers, Ruiz is tied with Jonathan Lucroy for the 4th-most catcher caught stealing with 161.
In 11 seasons with the Phillies (2006-16) and Dodgers (2016), Ruiz has combined to hit .266 with 68 home runs and 404 RBI in 1083 career games. He appeared in 1,030 games as a catcher with Philadelphia, 2nd-most at the backstop position in franchise history.
A native of David, Chiriqui, Panama, Ruiz originally signed with the Phillies as a non-drafted international free agent on Dec. 4, 1998 and made his pro debut with the Dominican Summer League Phillies in 1999. He made his Major League debut with the Phillies on May 6, 2006 vs. the Giants.
Ruiz would become just the 2nd Panamanian-born player to appear with the Mariners, joining former outfielder Roberto Kelly.
Ruiz is one of two catchers in Major League history to catch four separate no-hitters, along with Jason Varitek. Ruiz was behind the dish for two no-hitters tossed by Roy Halladay, one by Cole Hamels and a combined no-no.
From the Corner of Edgar & Dave 