Atlanta at last
Ruiz performance improved in 2016; his line returned to something resembling his early career norms; .271/.355/.400 with 118 wRC+. That earned him a cup of coffee in September and he came to spring training in 2017 with a chance to claim the vacant third base job for his own.
Instead of breaking camp with Atlanta last year however he headed back to Gwinnett and didn’t see Atlanta again until May 18th.
Over the next 30 games he hit a meager .175/.264/.288 and six weeks after being called up he was back at Gwinnett. Ruiz returned in September to play in 22 games before the season ended. His hitting improved a bit but not enough for anyone to consider him the lead dog in the chase for third base.