Nationals catcher Ruiz exits after taking foul ball off mask
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WASHINGTON -- Nationals catcher Keibert Ruiz, who has a history of concussions, exited Wednesday’s matinee against the Braves after being struck in the facemask by an Ozzie Albies foul tip in the fourth inning.
Ruiz immediately threw his mask off and stood leaning over with both hands on his knees. He went down to one knee, then was attended to by manager Blake Butera and the medical staff.
Ruiz eventually walked off the field on his own. He was replaced by Harry Ford before a rain delay at Nationals Park. Catcher Drew Millas was transferred to the 60-day injured list on Tuesday with a left index finger fracture.
Ruiz struggled through head injuries last season.
While standing at the railing of the visitors' dugout at Petco Park on June 23, 2025, Ruiz was struck on the right side of his head by an 82.4 mph foul ball that ricocheted off the dugout wall.
Ruiz initially was placed on the 10-day injured list, and then he was transferred to the seven-day concussion protocol IL. He was activated on July 4, only to suffer another concussion on July 5 against the Red Sox. Ruiz was hit square in the forehead by a Nate Eaton foul ball that knocked off his mask.
Ruiz attempted to return late in the ‘25 season, only to experience headaches and dizziness during a rehab assignment last September. Ruiz returned this season clear of any concussion restrictions.
He entered Wednesday’s series finale leading all catchers (minimum 60 plate appearances) in batting average (.377), on-base percentage (.441) and OPS (.949) since Aug. 2.