Los Angeles Dodgers prospects Keibert Ruiz and Jordan Sheffield were selected to play in the 2018 Fall Stars Game, the Arizona Fall League’s All Star Game. While neither were in the game at the end when the West walked it off against the East, both had a positive impact on the game.
Ruiz, arguably the organization’s top prospect, batted .268/.328/.401 for the Tulsa Drillers this season, mostly before he turned 20 years old. So far in the AFL, he’s hitting .289/.365/.311 with six walks and just two strikeouts.
In the Fall Stars game, Ruiz started at catcher and played five innings, allowing a stolen base to Monte Harrison. He did look good behind the plate otherwise, showing solid hands and agility.
At the plate, he drew a walk in his first plate appearance, then drove in a run with a single in his second. While Ruiz hasn’t shown much power, there is the chance that at development in the ability to drive the ball into the gaps and over the fence every once in a while.
Sheffield had an up and down 2018 season. An injury in May caused him to miss about half the year, as he returned in August as a full-time reliever. The relief profile has been something that’s followed Sheffield since he was drafted. Aside from allowing a pair of homers, he pitched well.
Sheffield faced three batters in the Fall Stars Game, allowing a hit and also recording a strikeout. It seems that his move to the bullpen might be what saves his prospect status and allows him a real chance to one day reach the Majors.
In the AFL, Sheffield has been better than what the regular season saw. His fastball is in the mid to upper 90s, and he’s showing a sharper breaking ball as well as his patented changeup. Through six games, he hasn’t allowed a run or a walk, surrendering just three hits and striking out five.
