Ruiz went 2-for-3 with a solo home run in Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Astros.

EDGE Analysis

The 27-year-old switch hitter launched his first long ball of the spring from the left side, as he took Bryan Abreu deep in the fourth inning on a 96 mph fastball. Ruiz is coming off a rough 2025 that was cut short after 68 games by concussion issues, and he's locked in a camp battle for the starting job at catcher with prospect Harry Ford, who was acquired from the Mariners in December.

Ruiz has been cleared of any concussion symptoms to begin spring training, Jessica Camerato of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 27-year-old was limited to only 68 games last season after being struck in the head by a foul ball in late June, but Ruiz's offensive numbers were lagging even prior to the concussion issues that cost him the final three months of 2025. He'll compete in camp with Harry Ford, acquired from the Mariners in the Jose Ferrer trade this offseason, for the top job behind the plate with the Nationals.

Ruiz (concussion) will compete with Harry Ford for the starting catcher job heading into the 2026 season, Jessica Camerato of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Camerato states that it's not clear whether Ruiz is back at 100 percent after missing significant time a season ago due to a concussion, but the team should have more information on his status once he reports to spring training. Ruiz has had a firm handle on the starting catching gig over the last four seasons with Washington, but he'll be challenged by one of the Nationals' recently acquired prospects in Ford.

The Nationals announced Monday that Ruiz (concussion) will continue to participate in baseball activities this week, though it's unclear if he'll return from the 7-day injured list before the end of the season, Spencer Nusbaum of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

The organization will likely wait and see how Ruiz fares in his workouts over the next few days before deciding on his next steps. Ruiz is the midst of his second stint on the injured list due to concussions and was pulled off a rehab assignment earlier this month after experiencing renewed symptoms.

Ruiz has been pulled off his rehab assignment with Double-A Harrisburg on Monday due to mild headaches and will rejoin the Nationals in Miami to re-enter concussion protocol, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ruiz's return from the 7-day injured list had seemed imminent, but interim manager Miguel Cairo was non-committal on the 27-year-old's availability to play again this season following his latest setback, per Spencer Nusbaum of The Washington Post. Riley Adams will continue serving as the Nationals' primary catcher while Ruiz is shelved, with Jorge Alfaro backing up Adams.

Ruiz (concussion) will remain on his rehab assignment through the weekend, Andrew Golden of The Washington Post reported Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Ruiz is working his way back from a concussion he sustained in early July and is nearing reinstatement from the IL. The catcher is slated to catch seven innings Friday, DH on Saturday and then catch a full nine innings Sunday. Given his progression, it wouldn't be surprising to see Ruiz back with the Nationals early next week.

Ruiz (concussion) reported to Double-A Harrisburg to begin a rehab assignment Tuesday, Spencer Nusbaum of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 27-year-old backstop has been on the shelf nearly two months due to a concussion, but he's now been cleared for game action after clearing the concussion protocol. It's unclear how many games in the minors Ruiz will need to get back up to speed, but it's possible he's back with the Nationals as early as this weekend.

Ruiz (concussion) is ramping up baseball activities and is expected to begin a minor-league rehab assignment soon, Bobby Blanco of MASNSports.com reported Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Ruiz started taking swings in batting practice last week, a significant stride in his recovery from a concussion he sustained in early July. The catcher will ramp up baseball activities this weekend, and the expectation is that he'll be cleared to begin a rehab assignment soon. In the meantime, Riley Adams and C.J. Stubbs will handle catching duties.

Ruiz remains in the concussion protocol but resumed taking swings in batting practice last week, MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Nationals haven't provided many updates on Ruiz's status since he was placed on the 7-day injured list July 8, but Bobby Blanco of MASNSports.com reported last Thursday that the 27-year-old still hoped to get cleared and play again later this season. Since he's been out for more than seven weeks, Ruiz will likely require at least a few rehab contests once he gets the green light for game action before being activated from the IL. Riley Adams has been the team's starting catcher in Ruiz's absence, but the Nats will need a new backup after Drew Millas suffered a fractured and dislocated left index finger in Wednesday's game against the Yankees.

Ruiz remains in concussion protocol but is continuing to take part in baseball activities, Andrew Golden of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

While the fact that Ruiz hasn't been shut down from activity is encouraging, the Nationals haven't provided much information regarding the extent of his workouts, nor has the team provided any indication of how close he might be to exiting concussion protocol. Since Ruiz landed on the injured list July 8, the Nationals have turned to Riley Adams as their primary option at catcher.