Phillies shake up the bullpen — José Ruiz out, Seth Johnson in

Oct 6, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Jose Ruiz (66) has a meeting at the mound in the sixth inning against the New York Mets during game two of the NLDS for the 2024 MLB Playoffs at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images Kyle Ross

  • Phillies

The Phillies made a relatively surprising decision Sunday morning in an attempt to improve their struggling bullpen.

José Ruiz — who manager Rob Thomson has been particularly fond of since he joined the team last May — has been designated for assignment. Ruiz had an 8.16 ERA over 16 appearances this season, but had some effective stretches in 2024, posting a 3.71 ERA in 52 games. 

In Ruiz's place, the Phillies have recalled RHP Seth Johnson. Johnson will wear No. 51.

Thomson explained the decision to DFA Ruiz in his pregame meeting with the media Sunday morning. Interestingly, Thomson went out of his way to mention Carlos Hernández, who some may have thought would be the more obvious choice to DFA. 

"I think all the other guys are just pitching a little bit better, that's all," Thomson said. "Hernández is starting to throw strikes on a more consistent basis." 

Hernández has a 6.14 ERA this season, but the Phillies seem to continue to be intrigued by him. 

"He's starting to throw strikes," Thomson said. "And if he throws strikes with that arm, he's gonna be good. He's gonna get outs."

Johnson was acquired from the Baltimore Orioles in the Gregory Soto trade last July. He was shelled in his Major League Debut last September in Miami, giving up nine earned runs in 2 1/3 innings pitched. However, the Phillies have since moved him into a bullpen role, and while he isn't a finished product, it's not hard to see why they are intrigued by the 26-year-old's potential as a reliever. 

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Tim Kelly

Tim Kelly is the Managing Editor for On Pattison. He's been on the Phillies beat since 2020. Kelly is also on Bleacher Report's MLB staff. Previously, Kelly has worked for Phillies Nation, Audacy Sports, SportsRadio 94 WIP, Just Baseball, FanSided, Locked On and Sports Illustrated/FanNation. Kelly is a graduate of Bloomsburg University with a major in Mass Communications and minor in Political Science.


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