Keibert Ruiz set to make Washington Nationals debut

The Washington Nationals are hoping that their long standing issues behind the plate will be over soon. Keibert Ruiz was one of the prized prospects in the Max Scherzer–Trea Turner deal, a player who is not only one of the top catching prospects in the game, but one of the top prospects overall.

He is set to get his chance. The Nationals will bring Ruiz to the majors on Monday, when he will presumably get the final month of the season to show what he can do.

Washington Nationals to give Keibert Ruiz his chance

Despite his pedigree as one of the top prospects in the game, Ruiz could not crack the Dodgers roster. With Will Smith having entrenched himself as the starter, he was blocked at the major league level. However, until the trade with Washington, the Dodgers had not found a deal that could pry him away.

Ruiz has gotten a brief look at the majors before his upcoming promotion. He has three hits in his 15 plate appearances, hitting two homers, but also striking out eight times. He has not gotten much of a look behind the plate either, with just 22 innings at the major league level thus far.

Based on his minor league production, Ruiz is certainly ready for the challenge. He has produced a .310/.377/.616 batting line in his 316 Triple-A plate appearances, hitting 21 homers and 24 doubles. He has also displayed impressive contact skills, striking out only 33 times while drawing 30 walks.

As it is, the Nationals have had solid production from their other young catchers since trading Yan Gomes. Both Riley Adams and Tres Barrera have performed well since being given a chance. However, neither is considered to be the type of prospect that Ruiz could be. It is time that he gets his chance.

Keibert Ruiz will be making his debut with the Washington Nationals on Monday. They will get to see if they have their long term answer behind the plate.