Dodgers: Keibert Ruiz Has Big Plans for His First MLB Hit
It’s not every day that you get to see a top prospect make his Major League debut. And it’s not every day that a top prospect hits a homerun in his very first at-bat in the big leagues. But that is exactly what happened with the Dodgers’ Keibert Ruiz on Sunday afternoon.
Keibert came to the plate in the top of the 3rd and launched a ball off of Julio Teheran to the right-field bleachers. When asked after the game what the experience was like, Keibert was just happy to be a part of the club. He reiterated that playing in the big leagues had been a dream of his since he was five years old. The Dodgers’ catcher also had big plans for the ball that he got back from the bleachers.
Keibert Ruiz did get the ball he hit, he's sending it to his parents.
— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) August 16, 2020
Not only did Keibert tie things up on that blast, but he also caught a phenomenal game as well. Dustin May went 4.1 innings and allowed 2 runs, but the Dodgers bullpen came on to lock things down. The relievers only gave up 3 hits across the remaining 4.2 innings en route to a series sweep.
It’s always fun to see a highly rated prospect make his debut, but it’s even more fun to see him perform well in that debut. Keibert exceeded expectations in his first day on the job, and we look forward to many more games with him in a Dodgers uniform.
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The writing is on the wall for Barnsey, Smith and Diaz are the big clubs catching tandem of the future.
Two things I would like to see Dustin May do, pitch deeper into games (if allowed), and change his jersey number into either of the three following numbers, 23 (from Prior), 28 or 29.
Last thing, while I am absolutely stoked about both May and Gonsolin, does anyone else in Dodgerland think that Gonsolin is slightly better at this stage?
Ruiz is a great talent. Hopefully he can add in some walks to get his OBP higher. He rarely strikes out and gets his bat on the ball in 5 minor league seasons he has .299/.351/.420 granted these are minor league numbers but he is only 22 and was drafted and came to the US at 16! So far in the minors he only has 29 homers however he is young and may develop some power as the hitting coaches work with him.
The Dodgers are in the great position to have two young talented catchers with a couple more on the Farm several years off.
Ralph Kramden I agree with you May has incredible potential and devastating pitches especially if he throws that change up to keep hitters honest. But I think at this point Gonsolin is a bit more refined.
I really look forward to a possible rotation of Urias, May, Gonsolin, Gray and Buehler. All cost controlled which allows the team to sign a Mookie and not hamper their roster flexibility in the future.