47. Defensive Player of the Year
Just before signing his three-year deal, Ruiz was named the Phillies defensive player of the year. He made just three errors the entire season, good for a .996 fielding percentage. It was up in the air at the time whether or not Ruiz would even return to the team at the time, with then-GM Ruben Amaro, Jr. leaving it uncertain. However, the two sides came together and signed the deal, and the team presented Ruiz with the award the next April.
46. Two-run double in the bottom of the ninth, July 2, 2007
In just his second season in the majors in 2007, Ruiz was the team’s starting catcher. With the Phillies down 7-3 to the Astros, Ruiz stepped in with the bases loaded and one out. Ruiz cranked a two-run double into center field with the slow-footed Wes Helms ahead of him on the base paths. It was one of his biggest plays of the season in terms of win probability. However, the Phils couldn’t finish off the rally as Ruiz and Helms were left on second and third.
45. Tie-breaking double in the top of the ninth vs LA
The Phillies and Dodgers entered the ninth inning of their game early on in the 2014 season still tied at 3-3. The Phils were able to get runners on first and second with one out against Brian Wilson. Ruiz came to bat and knocked a line drive down the left-field line, scoring both runners and giving Philadelphia a 5-3 lead. Marlon Byrd hit a two-run single a few batters later to ice the game, giving the Phillies an 11-11 record at that point for the season.
44. Game-tying double in the bottom of the ninth vs Colorado
Prior to scoring on a walk-off single to win the game, Ruiz laced a RBI double that tied the score between the Phillies and the Rockies. It increased Philadelphia’s odds to win by 29%, topped in the game only by Michael Young’s walk-off single. It was his third-biggest play of the season in terms of WPA.