Los Angeles Dodgers prospects Keibert Ruiz had a career night to help lead Triple-A Oklahoma City to a 14-5 rout of the Sugar Land Skeeters (Houston Astros affiliate). Ruiz finished 4-for-4 with a double, three home runs and five RBI.
The three-homer game was Ruiz’s first of his career and he tied a career-best with five RBI. It’s a fourth time this season Ruiz has hit at least two homers in a single game.
He’s now reached base in 19 of his last 20 starts, going 31-for-83 (.373) with five doubles, eight homers, 15 runs scored and 23 RBI during that span.
The Dodgers’ top position player prospect began his impressive performance with a home run in the first inning to cap off a back-to-back stretch with Steven Souza Jr., who re-signed on a Minor League contract after being designated for assignment.
Ruiz’s second home run was a two-run shot that extended Oklahoma City’s lead to 6-1 in the fourth inning. He added an RBI double as part of a five-run sixth inning, and slugged a third home run on the night in the seventh.
Oklahoma City tied a Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark record with six home runs in the game, which was first set May 10, 2018.
Will Dodgers trade Ruiz?
Although Ruiz has put together an impressive season for Oklahoma City, he remains blocked at the Major League level by Will Smith and Austin Barnes.
The Dodgers have been clear they prefer Ruiz to be playing on a regular basis rather than serving as a backup or third catcher on their roster. Ruiz expressed a willingness to play multiple positions, but manager Dave Roberts indicated that was not under consideration.
With the lack of an open role and Diego Cartaya also in the farm system, it has fueled speculation the Dodgers may ultimately use Ruiz as a trade chip at the deadline.
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