Top prospect Keibert Ruiz made his Washington Nationals’ debut Monday against the Philadelphia Phillies. The Nationals called up their catcher of the future earlier in the day from Triple-A Rochester. He was acquired in last month’s blockbuster trade that sent Max Scherzer and Trea Turner to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Ruiz went hitless in his first three at-bats before getting a bloop single to shallow center field in the eighth inning.
Otherwise it was a quiet night for the 23-year old. He popped out to short in the first with bases loaded. He followed that with a line out to left in the third and another pop out to short in fifth.
The Nationals also acquired pitcher Josiah Gray, who was a top-3 prospect at the time of the trade. Ruiz’s debut came with Gray on the mound. However, Gray had his worst outing in six starts since joining the Nationals.
The 23-year old Gray gave up six runs off seven hits while walking three in four innings. The Nationals ultimately lost 7-4. Both Gray and Ruiz may be inclined to forget their first pairing in Washington.
Still, not all was lost for Ruiz. He was able to make his debut with his wife and son, Keibert Jr., in stands of Nationals Park. It was the first time his family could see him play in majors. He played eight games for the Dodgers. Ruiz says he hopes to get his parents from his native Venezuela so they can see him play in the majors for the first time.
