The Los Angeles Dodgers recalled Keibert Ruiz ahead of Tuesday’s split doubleheader against the Chicago Cubs, giving the team three catchers on their active roster. The Dodgers additionally are back to carrying 13 pitchers and 13 position players.
Ruiz takes the spot of Mike Kickham, who was designated for assignment on Monday as a corresponding move to the Dodgers claiming Phil Bickford off waivers from the Milwaukee Brewers. Had the Dodgers and Cubs played their series opener as scheduled, L.A. planned to call up James Pazos.
It was late last week that Dodgers manager Dave Roberts acknowledged a scenario where Ruiz could be added to the active roster. Ruiz had been with the club on the taxi squad to continue gaining insight on being in a Major League clubhouse.
“Everything has been good. Keibert has done fantastic,” Roberts said. “Could it happen? Certainly. I just don’t know the timing right now. Part of the reason we want him to be with us is to kind of get that day-in, day-out Major League lifestyle. If it makes sense for our roster, then we’ll activate him.
“I love having Keibert around. I think him traveling with the Major League club is beneficial, I think that he’s taken full advantage of the alt. site at-bats, he’s really performed. When his time comes for activation, short term, long term, we’ll all be excited.”
Ruiz made his MLB debut last season and hit a home run in his first at-bat. He made a second start before being optioned back to the alternate training site.
While he is with the club now, Roberts acknowledged there will need to be some balancing of players spending time on the taxi squad and with a Minor League affiliate as their seasons begin this week.
Dodgers adding 27th player
Thus far having only announced Ruiz is now on the active roster, the Dodgers will make a second move as they and the Cubs are permitted a 27th player for the doubleheader.
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