Washington Nationals catcher Keibert Ruiz was placed on the injured list on Tuesday due to a head contusion sustained the previous day after being struck by a foul ball while seated in the dugout. The team designated Ruiz to recover as a precaution following the impact that occurred during their game against the San Diego Padres.
Replacement Called Up as Ruiz Undergoes Medical Evaluation
To fill Ruiz’s spot on the roster, the Nationals promoted Drew Millas from their Triple-A affiliate in Rochester. Millas, 27, is expected to provide backup support behind catcher Riley Adams, ensuring stability for the team while Ruiz recovers. Manager Dave Martinez confirmed Ruiz was on his way to receive a CT scan to assess the extent of the injury.
Incident Description and Team Reaction
The foul ball, hit by teammate Josh Bell, bounced toward Ruiz and struck him on the side of the head. Upon impact, Ruiz immediately clasped his head and left the bench to be substituted by Adams. Martinez observed,
“The ball hit him pretty solid,”
adding,
“He had a nice lump on the side of his head.”
Ruiz’s Performance and Roster Context
Before the injury, 26-year-old Ruiz had been a key player, appearing in 66 of the Nationals’ first 79 games this season with a .248 batting average, two home runs, and 24 RBIs. Despite some difficulties in June, with a .167 average, he remained an important contributor to the lineup. Millas, who has previously appeared in 31 games over the last two seasons for Washington with a .259 average, is expected to serve as the primary backup with Adams, who had a .097 average and three home runs in 22 games so far in 2024.
Implications for Nationals Moving Forward
Ruiz’s placement on the injured list highlights the unpredictable nature of on-field injuries and the need for depth in key positions like catcher. His recovery and the results of the CT scan will determine the length of his absence and the team’s strategy going forward. Meanwhile, Millas’s call-up offers the Nationals a chance to maintain roster flexibility as they continue their season against divisional rivals.