José Ruiz was born on October 21, 1994, in Guacara, Venezuela. Standing at 6 feet 1 inch and weighing 245 pounds, Ruiz began his professional baseball journey when he signed with the San Diego Padres as an international free agent in 2011. Initially starting as a catcher, Ruiz transitioned to pitching in 2016, showcasing his adaptability and resilience as a player.
Ruiz is known for his powerful right-handed pitching, featuring a fastball that regularly clocks in the mid-90s. His arsenal also includes a sharp slider and a developing changeup, making him a versatile option in the bullpen. His ability to generate strikeouts and handle high-pressure situations has been a crucial asset for his teams.
Ruiz made his MLB debut with the Padres in 2017 before being claimed off waivers by the Chicago White Sox later that year. Since then, he's been a reliable presence in the White Sox bullpen, achieving a career-high in strikeouts in the 2021 season. His contributions have been instrumental in the team's recent successes, including their playoff appearances.
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