Ruiz hitless in first rehab appearance

Jun 26, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz (51) is hit with a pitch during the eleventh inning of a game against the Miami Marlins at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies won 5-3 in the bottom of the fourteenth inning. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

With the second half of the MLB season on the way, the Phillies are looking to get healthy.

Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz began a rehab assignment with Phillies Minor League Class A Advanced affiliate the Clearwater Threshers on Thursday.  Ruiz caught for the Threshers during the first game of a double-header.  In seven innings he grounded out twice and struck out in his final trip to the plate.  He was not in the lineup for the second game.

Ruiz has been on the disabled list with a concussion since June 27th after being hit in the head by a pitch on June 26th.  It is likely the Phillies could have their starting catcher back next week.

The addition of Ruiz back in the lineup could help the Phillies lineup.  On the season he is hitting .257 with a .719 OPS.  All catchers not named Carlos Ruiz to play for the Phillies this season have just 25 hits in 36 games compared to 59 hits for Ruiz in 66 games.  He was also named the National League player of the week earlier this season for the week ending April 27th.

The Phillies everyday catcher is not the only one close to a return from injury.  Starting pitcher Cliff Lee–  in 4.2 innings of work during his last tune up before rejoining the Phillies.  Despite the ugly box score, he feels he is ready to pitch at the big league level.

Lee is expected to return Monday when the Phillies take on the San Francisco Giants at home.  Ruiz will likely join him around the same time.