Hot Stove Update: Dodgers Unload Carlos Ruiz

The Dodgers picked up Carlos Ruiz from the Phillies for the stretch run.  They have now flipped him for a valuable left-handed arm(and my, the Dodgers do seem to love their left-handed arms, don't they?).  Ruiz goes to the Mariners for LHP Vidal Nuno.  Ruiz is still a decent catcher option as he hit .264/.365/.348 and threw out 42% of baserunners.  He has an option for $4.5 M next season which the Mariners will pick up.

Nuno made 55 appearances with 58.2 IP, 1 start, last year for the Mariners.  His ERA was a respectable 3.69 and came with 7.82 K/9 and an excellent 1.69 BB/9.  He is arbitration eligible with a MLBTR projected salary of $1.1 M.

This is probably a good trade for both sides as Ruiz gives the Mariners some protection in case Mike Zunino's bat turns to swiss cheese again.  The Dodgers get a small amount of salary relief and a valuable pitcher who can relieve or start.  Austin Barnes is on tap to step into the backup catcher role for the Dodgers.