Outfielder Esteury Ruiz has a locker in the Los Angeles Dodgers clubhouse on Wednesday, hinting at a potentially unfortunate roster move.
Tommy Edman is out of the lineup for a second consecutive game. It’s also worth noting that Hyeseong Kim isn’t in the lineup against a right-handed pitcher.
Esteury Ruíz is in the Dodgers clubhouse.
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Ruiz is a speedy outfielder who is just two seasons removed from stealing 67 bases, leading the American League in 2023 as a member of the Oakland Athletics.
In addition to the swipes, Ruiz batted .254 that season, adding five home runs and 47 RBIs. He also collected an Outs Above Average ranking of 2 during that 2023 season, putting him in the 78th percentile of MLB.
Ruiz struggled during the 2024 season. He was optioned to Triple-A to begin April and served a stint on the injured list at the end of May that would end up keeping him out of the big leagues for the remainder of the season. He only hit .200 during those 29 MLB appearances.
After just two appearances with the Athletics’ Triple-A squad, Ruiz was designated for assignment on March 30 of this year. The Dodgers promptly acquired the outfielder in exchange for right-hander Carlos Duran on April 2.
During 45 outings in Triple-A Oklahoma City this year, Ruiz is hitting .274 with 27 stolen bases, 30 RBIs, and three home runs.
Ruiz can be an asset with his defense and his speed — especially in the outfield, a position that the Dodgers are relatively weaker at depth-wise.
During his last full season of 2023, Ruiz ranked in the 97th percentile of sprint speed among active players and was in the 95th percentile of baserunning run value, a stat that combines stolen bases as well as extra bases taken.
As for the corresponding move, the Dodgers are yet to announce anything official, so stay tuned on dodgersnation.com.