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José Ruiz to the rescue!

No, the call-ups aren’t getting any sexier, but there’s another arm in the pen

By Brett Ballantini
Minnesota Twins v Chicago White Sox
Retro Ruiz: Although his ERA is high, José has recorded nearly a strikeout an inning for the White Sox this season.
Photo by Ron Vesely/MLB Photos via Getty Images

On Wednesday, the Chicago White Sox recalled right-handed pitcher José Ruiz from Charlotte. The 24-year-old is 1-2 with a 5.24 ERA, 32 strikeouts and one hold in 35 relief appearances over five different runs with the White Sox in 2019. With Charlotte, Ruiz served as the closer, posting a 1.26 ERA with seven saves and 15 strikeouts.

This is the first year Ruiz has been used as a significant bullpen tool, though his third year in the majors. He made his debut with the San Diego Padres in 2017, pitching one inning of one game. Last year with the White Sox, Ruiz got a cup of coffee in September and saw action in 4 1⁄3 innings over six games. He carries a career-high 0.1 bWAR into action this September.

Ruiz has only been pitching for four years. He made his pro debut as a catcher at 17 in 2012 for the Padres. After slashing .202./.240/.248 over 400 games with San Diego, none above High-A, he converted to relief pitching.

In the last season without roster limits for September baseball, the White Sox roster now stands at 32 players, including 17 pitchers.

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