José Ruiz, RP
José Ruiz's experience in the majors spans as a member of three teams — the San Diego Padres, Chicago White Sox, and Arizona Diamondbacks — since his debut in 2017. He would be seen as a depth reliever considering that he has struggled to have a consistent prominent role in a big league bullpen.
For his career, the 29-year-old reliever has a 4.51 ERA in 212 appearances over 219 1/3 innings pitched. The right-hander has had trouble with his command, with a career 1.49 WHIP.
Considering his flaws, Ruiz does have a good amount of experience throwing in the major leagues. He also pitched with Team Venezuela in the 2023 World Baseball Classic. If the Phillies don't want to promote a young pitcher with no previous time in the majors at the beginning of the season, the Guacara native may begin the year with the big league club.
Ruiz could also earn a spot over Dylan Covey, Yunior Marte, or Andrew Bellatti if he were to outperform one of them during spring training. All of the three have struggled during their respective times with Philadelphia. Marte and Bellatti have each been sent down to the minors following appearances with the Phillies during their careers.
Tyler McKay, RP
Tyler McKay struggled after his promotion from the Jersey Shore BlueClaws in High-A to the Fightin Phils during the 2022 season. In 25 appearances at Double-A, he had a 6.47 ERA in 40 1/3 innings that included 28 strikeouts and a 1.51 WHIP.
The Philadelphia Phillies are promoting Tyler McKay to the Reading Fightin Phils. Congratulations Tyler! pic.twitter.com/urjvCHvBSi
— Milb Central (@milb_central) June 5, 2022
However, he improved last year beginning the season in Reading. McKay had a 2.54 ERA, 10 walks, 32 strikeouts, and a 1.02 WHIP in 25 contests. He also converted six saves in eight opportunities. The 26-year-old received a promotion to Lehigh Valley where he continued his success. He finished with a 2.67 ERA, 19 walks, 24 strikeouts, and a 1.48 WHIP after appearing in 23 games. He had two saves in four save opportunities with the IronPigs.
The improvement he made from 2022 to 2023 was encouraging. Despite not having experience in the majors, McKay could be a candidate to make the Phillies' Opening Day roster if he impresses during spring training.