Esteury

Ruiz

Hernández is out of the lineup for Sunday’s series finale and could wind up requiring some additional time off, even if he checks out completely fine. It’ll be speedster Estuery Ruiz patrolling right field and batting ninth on Sunday against the Astros in his absence. There should be a definitive update on the 32-year-old slugging corner outfielder’s status leading into Monday’s series opener in Milwaukee.

Hernández takes a seat with speedster Esteury Ruiz drawing his first start since being called up earlier this week from Triple-A Oklahoma City.

He’ll take the place of the injured Max Muncy (knee) on the Dodgers’ active roster. The 26-year-old speedster has hit a blistering .295/.395/.456 with eight homers, 38 RBI and 39 stolen bases (in 45 attempts) at the Triple-A level this season.

With Muncy potentially needing a trip to the injured list, the Dodgers have placed Esteury Ruiz on the taxi list and Ruiz is currently en route to Los Angeles from Triple-A Oklahoma City. It seems likely that Muncy will be placed on the 10-day injured list and be out through the All-Star break, but more information should be available before the start of the weekend.

Ruiz is now up to six home runs and 35 steals while slashing .281/.386/.425 in 60 games. He remains below average as a defender, which could impact his future playing time, but if a spot opens up in the Dodgers’ outfield, Ruiz would be right back on fantasy radars.

It’s notable that Edman is absent from the lineup for the second consecutive contest despite the presence of right-hander Griffin Canning on the mound. The 30-year-old missed time last month with an ankle injury, so it’s a situation worth monitoring closely. Speedster Esteury Ruiz was spotted in the Dodgers clubhouse, so it’s possible there’s something going on here.

The Dodgers acquired Ruiz from the Athletics at the beginning of April, and the 26-year-old is slashing .306/.411/.468 with one home run and 13 steals in 18 games. He also has 17 strikeouts and has a reputation as a below-average defender, which has made it hard for him to get on the field. Ruiz would likely need an injury to Michael Conforto or Andy Pages to get another shot at the big leagues, but if he does, his speed could be a major asset in this Dodgers’ lineup.

Ruiz is one of the fastest players in baseball and stole 67 bases for the A’s in 2023, but the 26-year-old wasn’t part of the long-term plans. He’ll head to Los Angeles, and he gives the Dodgers a potential weapon off the bench because of his wheels. Unfortunately, this doesn’t increase his fantasy relevancy unless he somehow gets in the everyday lineup.

Ruiz, who stole 67 bases for the A’s in 2023, has since fallen out of favor with the organization. Red flags were raised at the outset of 2024 when Ruiz began the year in the minor leagues. Now the 26-year-old speedster is likely on his way out of the organization altogether as he’s been designated for assignment. It’s possible he’s claimed on waivers, as Ruiz’s .200/.270/.382 line in 29 games last year was hardly awful.

A big day of cuts for the A’s, but it’s that time of year. Ruiz is one of the fastest players in baseball, but hasn’t hit enough to put that speed to use. Alvarado, Ginn and Holman will likely help the Athletics’ pitching staff by the end of 2025.