Keibert Ruiz wasn’t even on the field when he got hurt, but now, the Washington Nationals’ starting catcher is headed to the injured list with a concussion after a scary and unlucky moment.
According to Talk Nats, Ruiz was sitting in the Nationals’ dugout during a recent game when a foul ball came flying in and struck him in the head. It was a completely random accident, one of those moments where a player is just in the wrong place at the wrong time. He wasn’t wearing a helmet or catcher’s gear since he wasn’t on the field at the time. That lack of protection made the blow more dangerous.
After being hit, Ruiz needed a head CT scan to check for any serious injury. Thankfully, nothing life-threatening was reported, but the Nationals are playing it safe and placing him on the 7-day concussion injured list. While seven days is the minimum stay, concussions are unpredictable, symptoms can linger, and return timelines vary from player to player.
This situation is especially frustrating for a player like Ruiz, who is used to the everyday physical demands of being a catcher. Behind the plate, he’s constantly dealing with foul tips, wild pitches, and collisions, but he wears the necessary equipment to protect himself. Ironically, this freak accident happened when his guard was down.
Ruiz, 26, began the 2025 season with a hot bat and looked like he might be turning a corner in his development as one of the young leaders on the team. But his production has dipped recently. He’s now hitting .247 overall with an OPS of just .598, showing limited power at the plate. Still, he remains the Nationals’ top option at catcher, a switch-hitter who handles pitchers well and is still growing as a clubhouse presence.
Who will take Keibert Ruiz’s place?
His absence, even if short, creates a gap in the lineup and behind the plate. Washington is expected to call up Drew Millas from Triple-A Rochester to fill the roster spot. Millas has shown promise in the minors and could get an extended look if Ruiz ends up missing more time.
For a rebuilding Nationals team, every piece matters, and Ruiz is one of their most important building blocks. While the injury itself may not keep him out for long, concussions are notoriously tricky. The Nationals will need to be patient and cautious, prioritizing Ruiz’s long-term health.
In the meantime, the team and fans will just have to wait and hope their catcher recovers quickly, and that another random injury like this doesn’t strike again.
