Esteury Ruiz Stuns MLB With Record-Breaking Stolen-Base Surge — Highlights, Stats & What’s Next

The Los Angeles Dodgers are set to promote lightning-quick outfielder Esteury Ruiz from Triple-A Oklahoma City after Max Muncy exited Wednesday’s win with a left-knee injury, creating an immediate need for roster reinforcement. Ruiz, 26, has forced the issue with a .292/.394/.458 slash line, eight homers and 38 stolen bases in 66 games for Oklahoma City. Those numbers echo the wheels he displayed during his 2023 rookie campaign with Oakland, when he swiped an MLB-leading 67 bags despite limited playing time. The Dodgers claimed the Dominican speedster early this season after the Athletics designated him for assignment, betting that his elite sprint speed and steadily improving on-base skills could bloom under their player-development umbrella. Manager Dave Roberts has not yet revealed how he will deploy Ruiz, but the right-handed hitter profiles as an immediate pinch-running weapon and late-inning defensive upgrade across all three outfield spots. If Muncy’s MRI confirms a multi-game absence, Roberts could slide Enrique Hernández or Miguel Vargas to third base while using Ruiz to keep the bench athletic and versatile. For fantasy baseball managers and DFS players, Ruiz’s promotion is a green light to grab cheap steals. He stole bases in 89 percent of his Triple-A attempts this year and owns a 10.8 percent walk rate, suggesting a higher floor than the .641 career OPS he posted in previous big-league stints. Los Angeles opens a four-game set tonight against the Chicago White Sox, and Ruiz is expected to be available off the bench. A start would pit him against left-hander Garrett Crochet, a matchup that plays to Ruiz’s contact-first approach and run-creating speed. Quick hits • DOB: Feb. 15, 1999 | B/T: R/R | Listed at 6-0, 169 lbs • Originally signed by Kansas City in 2015; acquired by LAD in April 2025 for cash considerations. • Career minors: .290 AVG, .840 OPS, 268 SB in 471 games. If Ruiz can translate even league-average offense to the majors, his elite base-running could give the Dodgers another dimension as they chase a 12th straight postseason berth. For now, all eyes turn to Chavez Ravine to see if the fastest man in Triple-A can spark immediate fireworks under the bright lights of July baseball.