Right-handed pitcher Jose Ruiz and the Philadelphia Phillies have agreed to a one-year contract to avoid arbitration. Ruiz spent the past season operating out of the bullpen and held a 3.71 ERA and 1.33 WHIP, with a 17:52 BB:K ratio in 51 innings of work. He also tallied one save. Under the hood, the 30-year-old generated a 27.6% whiff rate and 24.0% K rate, which were both slightly above average. However, he struggled to limit hard contact at a 42.2% rate. Fantasy managers in holds leagues should monitor where Ruiz is deployed in 2025 as he could eventually earn a permanent role as a high-leverage option. However, given his lack of experience as a closer, he should not be projected to see any save situations early on.

The Philadelphia Phillies have signed right-hander Jose Ruiz to a minor-league deal. Ruiz's deal includes an invitation to major-league spring training camp in 2024. The 29-year-old Venezuelan comes to the Phillies with seven years of major-league experience with the San Diego Padres, Chicago White Sox and Arizona Diamondbacks. He appeared in 38 games (one start) for Chicago and Arizona in 2023 and had a 5.89 ERA (6.26 FIP) and 1.65 WHIP with 21 walks and 39 strikeouts in 44 1/3 innings while surrendering 10 home runs. Ruiz will likely open the 2024 season in the minors for the Phillies as relief depth. He has a 4.51 ERA (4.85 FIP) and 1.49 WHIP in 219 1/3 major-league innings across seven seasons.

RHP Jose Ruiz was designated for assignment by the Padres. The former catcher went 1-2 with a 5.98 ERA in 44 appearances at Class A Lake Elsinore last season.

RHP Jose Ruiz, 22, the converted catcher who made his Major League debut Monday night by striking out one and issuing a walk in an otherwise perfect ninth, was returned to advanced Single-A Lake Elsinore Tuesday. Ruiz was called up because he was on the 40-man roster, he was 70 miles away and the Padres bullpen that worked 32 innings in a seven-game road trip lost relievers Ryan Buchter and Brandon Maurer earlier Monday via trade to Kansas City.

RHP Jose Ruiz was summoned from Single-A Lake Elsinore. Ruiz's stay figures to be short and him being called up could have been due to how close the minor-league club is to San Diego, where the Padres are playing. But he pitched the ninth inning in Monday's loss, giving up a walk and striking out Yoenis Cespedes looking.