Dodgers: Keibert Ruiz Optioned Back to Triple-A OKC
The Dodgers didn’t do much to get Keibert Ruiz time at the plate in his brief call-up this month. In fact, they got him just 6 at-bats without ever giving him a start since they pulled him up from the taxi squad on May 4th.
That’s probably part of the reason that the Dodgers decided to option him today. Keibert will go back to Triple-A Oklahoma City and get regular at-bats to stay ready. He was sent back down on Monday during the off-day.
There is no word yet on who will replace him on the active roster. The Dodgers are not expecting any of their injured guys back this week, so it would presumably be someone who was on their taxi squad.
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Ruiz is one of those tough spots that Dodgers’ top prospects often find themselves in. He is super talented and arguably the most big-league-ready, but he’s blocked by a few key pieces. Will Smith is their preferred choice behind the plate and Austin Barnes signed a 2-year deal this offseason.
Because of those guys, Keibert’s future with the big league club is a little bit of a mystery. The team could bring him up to play other positions, and Dave Roberts said he could see him at first base. But that’s not in the plan right now.
The Dodgers are going to have to figure out what they want out of Keibert soon.
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Barnes needs to go
Should option Roberts back to AAA
AMEN
Keibert should be used as a PH (he actually hits the ball!). especially over DJ Peters and Luke Raley, who replaced him today. Beaty should be starting all the time. instead Roberts used Neuse in LF (ugh!). how many times did he strike out tonight? then Roberts wasted DJ as a pinch runner! use a pitcher to run. sent up Raley to PH and strike out. Raley for Ruiz, really?