The Los Angeles Dodgers shocked their clubhouse on Thursday with news that backup catcher A.J. Ellis was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies. The swap of backup catchers was significant for both organizations as Ellis and Ruiz had spent their entire with one team.
While Ellis was revered by several throughout the Dodgers organization, the front office acted on an opportunity to upgrade against left-handed pitching. Ruiz’s first start with the Dodgers came against Chicago Cubs left-hander Mike Montgomery.
Ruiz went 1-for-3 with a walk and hit by pitch, reaching in his first three plate appearances. But the focal point of Ruiz’s debut became the pair of wild pitches in the ninth inning that allowed the Cubs to tie the game.
As for Ellis, he joined the Phillies over the weekend and made his first start Sunday. Although Ellis was heartbroken during his final media session at Dodger Stadium, he remained the consummate professional.
Ellis said the change of scenery has served a positive purpose, via Matt Breen of Philly.com:
“I’m starting to feel reenergized. Refilled with a sense of purpose as to why I’ve been placed here, and why this is where I need to be at this time,” Ellis said. “I’m excited about that. I know I have huge shoes to fill. I know that.”
Ellis added there’s plenty of responsibility he needs to assume in filling Ruiz’s absence:
“Carlos Ruiz is such a fixture in the Phillies organization, the work that he’s done here behind the plate, you can’t fill,” Ellis said. “This guy is a world champion catcher who has been back there for so many great baseball memories. So it’s up to me to do my part to fill the void.”
Matt Klentak said the Phillies were ‘adamant’ on receiving Ellis in their trade with the Dodgers. With just about a month left in the regular season, Ellis attempt to pay it forward with a young roster.
He went 1-for-4 with a two-run double that came with the based loaded to help the Phillies beat the New York Mets.
