:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67210899/1227713859.jpg.0.jpg)
Keibert Ruiz will start Sunday’s series finale against the Angels, one day after getting recalled from the alternate training site at USC. At 22 years, 27 days old, Ruiz is one of the youngest catchers in Dodgers history.
Ruiz was called up Saturday when catcher Will Smith was placed on the 10-day injured list with neck inflammation.
Dating back to 1901, only five other Dodgers catchers have started a game at Ruiz’s age or younger.
Youngest Dodgers catchers
| Catcher | Starts by Keibert's age | Year(s) | Age of debut | Total LA games caught | Career games caught |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catcher | Starts by Keibert's age | Year(s) | Age of debut | Total LA games caught | Career games caught |
| Al Lopez | 115 | 1928-30 | 20.038 | 746 | 1,918 |
| Dioner Navarro | 49 | 2005 | 21.170 | 128 | 891 |
| Mike Scioscia | 44 | 1980 | 21.145 | 1,395 | 1,395 |
| Otto Miller | 23 | 1910-11 | 21.081 | 890 | 890 |
| Gil Reyes | 9 | 1983-84 | 19.183 | 33 | 117 |
The youngest Dodgers starting catcher in the modern era was Gil Reyes, who started eight games in 1983 before turning 20. His major league debut was June 11 that year, when Reyes was only 19 years, 183 days old.
Al Lopez caught the most games for the Dodgers at such a young age, starting 115 times by the time he was Ruiz’s current age. Lopez made his major league debut just over a month after his 20th birthday in 1928 by starting both ends of a doubleheader and catching 19 innings.
Ruiz gives Austin Barnes the day off after starting three straight days behind the plate. Barnes caught the last 33 defensive innings for the Dodgers, and 42 of the last 46.
Dustin May will be a familiar face for Ruiz to catch. From 2017-19, Ruiz caught May 28 times across four minor league levels, including the postseason.
Game info
Time: 1:10 p.m. PT
TV: SportsNet LA, TBS, Fox Sports West (Angels broadcast)