Ruiz went 2-for-4 with a solo home run in Saturday's 7-1 loss to Atlanta.

EDGE Analysis

The catcher took Kirby Yates deep in the ninth inning to ruin Atlanta's combined shutout bid, but it was about the only bright spot on the afternoon for the Nats. Ruiz is off to a good start at the plate, going 4-for-8 with a double and a homer through Washington's first two games. Even if the 24-year-old switch hitter has a breakout campaign, the feeble lineup around him dampens his fantasy potential.

Ruiz and the Nationals have agreed to an eight-year extension that could be worth up to $50 million, Barry Svrluga of The Washington Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

The contract reportedly includes two club options at the end of the deal. It will buy out two-pre arbitration seasons plus three arbitration years and then three seasons of free agency. The 24-year-old backstop was one of the key players dealt to Washington in the Trea Turner/Max Scherzer blockbuster, and prior to a season-ending groin injury last September, he slashed .251/.313/.360 with seven homers, six steals, 33 runs and 36 RBI through 112 games. Ruiz should be the everyday backstop for the foreseeable future with the Nationals.

Ruiz (groin), who was placed on the 10-day injured list Friday, will be shut down for the next three weeks and is unlikely to return this season, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ruiz landed on the shelf earlier Friday with a testicular contusion after being struck by a foul ball, and it appears the injury will bring a premature end to his 2022 campaign. The 24-year-old ranks second in the league in games caught (106) this season and has a .251/.313/.360 slash line with seven home runs, 36 RBI and six stolen bases in 433 plate appearances. Ruiz could technically return during the final week of the season, but there's no reason for the last-place Nationals to rush him back for only a couple games. Riley Adams and Tres Barrera should split time at catcher down the stretch for Washington.

Ruiz was placed on the 10-day injured list Friday with a testicular contusion, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 24-year-old was taken to the hospital after being struck in the groin by a foul ball Thursday, and he'll be unavailable for at least the next week and a half. It's unclear if Ruiz is expected to be sidelined beyond the 10-day minimum. Riley Adams is likely to step up to be Washington's primary catcher in the meantime, and Tres Barrera should also see some work.

Ruiz was sent to the hospital due to swollen testicles after leaving Thursday's game against the Cardinals in the bottom of the sixth inning, Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ruiz was hit in the groin by a foul ball in the bottom of the second inning Thursday and appeared to be in considerable pain, but he was able to initially remain in the game. He went 1-for-3 to begin the game but was ultimately replaced defensively in the bottom of the sixth inning and sent to the hospital due to swelling. Ruiz is expected to travel back to Washington with the team, but it's not yet clear whether he'll be forced to miss additional time.

Ruiz is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game agains the Cardinals.

EDGE Analysis

Riley Adams checks in behind the plate while Ruiz gets a well-deserved rest after catching each of the past five games. Ruiz produced six hits and two walks over the first four of those starts before an 0-for-4 showing in Tuesday's 4-1 loss.

Ruiz went 3-for-5 with two RBI and two runs scored in Sunday's victory over the Mets.

EDGE Analysis

Ruiz's entered the game mired in a 10-game stretch where he hit .235 with two runs and one RBI. The young catcher broke out of that slump in a big way, accounting for four of the Nationals' seven runs on the day. Sunday's effort is also his first multi-hit game since Aug. 19, and he is now slashing .250/.310/.354 in 421 plate appearances this season.

Ruiz is out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Athletics.

EDGE Analysis

The Nationals and Athletics are wrapping up their series with a day game, so Ruiz will get a breather after starting the past two nights. Ruiz is entrenched as Washington's No. 1 backstop, but he could still receive more rest days down the stretch with the Nationals having added a third catcher in Tres Barrera to the roster as one of their September call-ups.

Ruiz is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Reds.

EDGE Analysis

Ruiz will take a seat for the third consecutive Sunday while Riley Adams receives a turn behind the plate. The 24-year-old will put a four-game hitting streak on hold while he heads to the bench.

Ruiz is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Padres.

EDGE Analysis

Ruiz will be getting a breather after going 3-for-13 with a double, two walks, two RBI, two runs and a stolen base while starting at catcher in each of the Nationals' past four games. Tres Barrera will check in for Ruiz behind the dish Sunday.