Baltimore Orioles giving Rio Ruiz a chance to stick in the majors

The Baltimore Orioles claimed Rio Ruiz on waivers from the Atlanta Braves. This may be the opportunity he needs.

With the Baltimore Orioles squarely in the midst of their rebuilding process, they need to find players that can be a part of the long term solution. the problem is that their farm system, although improve, is still mediocre at best. Their intent to spend heavily in the international free agent market, to the point where they had the second most money to spend, but to no avail. The Orioles need players, and more than just one year placeholders.

This means that the Orioles are in a position where they will be able to give players that have not had much of a chance an extended look. As such, Rio Ruiz may finally get a chance to stick in the majors now that he has been claimed off waivers by Baltimore.

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Ruiz has yet to see his major league career gain much traction. Once a prized prospect, and part of the deal that sent Evan Gattis to Houston, Ruiz has struggled to meet expectations. Over parts of three seasons in the majors, covering 195 plate appearances, he has produced a mediocre .189/.282/.302 batting line, hitting just four homers and five doubles.

Ruiz did not perform exceptionally well in AAA last season either. He put together a decent .269/.322/.390 batting line, hitting nine homers and 25 doubles, drawing 40 walks and striking out 90 times in 541 plate appearances. That production fits the type of player Ruiz is expected to be – a player with doubles power who makes consistent contact.

While he may not be a star at third, he can at least be a reasonably productive, and inexpensive, asset for the Orioles. He has displayed hints that he can become more than he has shown thus far in the majors, showing some home run pop in the minors. If Ruiz can maintain that contact rate, and develop enough power to reach the 20 home run mark consistently, he could prove to be a bargain for the Orioles.

The Baltimore Orioles appear set to give Rio Ruiz a long look. He may finally get his chance to prove he belongs in the majors.