The Philadelphia Phillies’ bullpen has been in a state of flux over the last week, as they try to find a solution to their ongoing issues with Jose Alvarado serving an 80-game suspension for violating the league’s PED policy.
Last week, the Phillies made the surprising decision to move on from veteran reliever Jose Ruiz, designating him for assignment. With the Phillies taking the DFA route, they either had to find a trade for Ruiz or put the veteran on waivers.
The 30-year-old right-handed pitcher didn’t make it through waivers, as he’ll be staying in the NL East.
Ex-Phillies Reliever Jose Ruiz Signs With Atlanta Braves
On Saturday, the Atlanta Braves announced that they claimed Ruiz off waivers. The Braves will reportedly be taking on approximately $765,600 of the veteran’s remaining salary for the 2025 season ($1.225 million).
The #Braves today claimed RHP José Ruiz off waivers from the Philadelphia Phillies.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) June 7, 2025
The former Phillies pitcher will likely be on the big league roster in Atlanta, despite the Braves not announcing a corresponding move on the 26-man roster. Ruiz will hope to bounce back in Atlanta, which is also having bullpen issues this season.
The Braves’ bullpen has a 3.90 ERA, which is the fifth-best in the majors. But you couldn’t tell based on their last couple of games where their bullpen imploded. At the same time, the Phillies’ bullpen isn’t anything to smile about as they have a 4.56 ERA.
Meanwhile, Ruiz had an 8.16 ERA in 16 appearances with the Phillies this season. He allowed 21 hits, 14 runs (13 earned), six walks, three home runs, and only recorded 12 strikeouts in 14.1 innings pitched.
Before he was DFA’d at the start of this month, Ruiz was coming off a disastrous May with the Phillies. He had a 21.00 ERA, and opponents were hitting .579 at the plate in four appearances.
That being said, it will be interesting to see if Ruiz can bounce back in a new situation, granted, with one of the Phillies’ NL East rivals. If he can, it's a chance the Phillies might see Ruiz again as the Braves are scheduled to play Philadelphia later this month in Atlanta.