The Philadelphia Phillies and Atlanta Braves have one thing in common this season, and that is the lack of production from the bullpen and the constant search for answers. The latest Braves answer is to try former Phillies pitcher José Ruiz, claiming him off waivers over the weekend. It was a move that preceded designating another former Phillie, Craig Kimbrel, for assignment.
On June 1, the Phillies designated Ruiz for assignment and at the time recalled Seth Johnson from Triple-A. This move happened after Ruiz allowed five runs in one inning in the 17-7 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers a day earlier.
After a successful 2024 season for Ruiz, the Phillies went in hopeful that he could make a solid impact; however, that plan backfired. Ruiz saw time on the IL, missing close to a month before coming back and allowing seven runs in four appearances.
José Ruiz, Nasty 86mph Breaking Ball...and is fired up. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/EVqjroMopu
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) May 17, 2024
Braves will try to fix José Ruiz after claiming him from Phillies
Ruiz with the Phillies threw 68 games with a final record of 6-1 while posting a 4.56 ERA and striking out 64 in 65 1/3 innings of work. He will join the Braves' bullpen, which sits 15th in the MLB with an ERA of 3.83. The Phillies currently sit 23rd overall with an ERA of 4.48 on the season.
Throughout June, the Braves have either traded or cut multiple relievers, including Scott Blewett (traded to the Baltimore Orioles), Kimbrel, and Daysbel Hernández (placed on the 15-day IL). So it is no secret that the Braves are looking for answers, with the constant moves being made.
Ruiz was immediately activated after signing with the Braves, but has yet to throw in a game with Atlanta. The Braves will hope to fix the right-handed pitcher after he posted an 8.16 ERA for the Phillies in 16 appearances. Ruiz has thrown 14 1/3 innings with 12 strikeouts and three holds. The exact role with the Braves will be intriguing to see how he is used, most likely in a middle relief role.
Ruiz has had a nine-year major league career, spending time with the San Diego Padres, Chicago White Sox, Arizona Diamondbacks and the Phillies. He has totaled 280 games while posting a 4.55 ERA with an 11-9 record.
The Phillies first chance to face Ruiz with the Braves will be from June 27-29 in a three-game series in Atlanta.