While the Los Angeles Dodgers have a farm system flush with talent, the creme of the crop very much lies at the catching position with standouts Keibert Ruiz and Will Smith. Behind them is 17-year-old Diego Cartaya, who was added to the organization during the 2018-19 international signing period.
Although Ruiz is regarded by multiple publications as the Dodgers’ top prospect, it was Smith who has already made his MLB debut. Ruiz began the season with Double-A Tulsa but has since received a promotion to Triple-A Oklahoma City.
He debuted with the Dodgers’ top affiliate on Sunday, going 2-for-4 with an RBI single and two-run home run to lead OKC to a 12-8 victory over the San Antonio Missions (Milwaukee Brewers affiliate).
Ruiz collected a game-high fourth RBI when he hit into a fielder’s choice. Ruiz’s four RBI are a season high and his most in a single game since Aug. 14, 2018, when he was with the Drillers.
Ruiz’s home run was one of three hit by the OKC Dodgers, extending their season-best streak to a 14th consecutive game with a long bal. The Dodgers have hit 36 homers during the stretch, which is the team’s longest run since a 14-game stretch from May 13-27, 2017.
Although it was merely his first game, Ruiz added to a growing list of Dodgers prospects who have shined after joining Oklahoma City from Tulsa. Gavin Lux and D.J. Peters recently received promotions, and continue to fare well.
Lux hit safely in his first 16 games with OKC and within that had a streak of four consecutive games with at least one home run.
Ruiz’s arrival in Triple-A came with added intrigue with respect to Smith. The Dodgers having both top catching prospects on the same roster is a bit atypical, which has fueled speculation Smith will be returning to the Majors sometime soon.
