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Nationals’ Keibert Ruiz Leaves Game After Taking Foul Ball Off Head in Dugout

The Washington catcher immediately exited the dugout and was removed from the game.

Dan Lyons

Nationals catcher Keibert Ruiz exited Monday's game at the Padres after being hit by a foul ball while in the dugout.
Nationals catcher Keibert Ruiz exited Monday's game at the Padres after being hit by a foul ball while in the dugout. / via MASN
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The Washington Nationals lead the San Diego Padres 6–3 in the eighth inning of a road game Monday night, but the game hasn't come without consequence for the Nats.

During the top of the fourth inning, Washington designated hitter Josh Bell hit a sharp liner foul—right into his own dugout. The sharply hit ball struck catcher Keibert Ruiz in the side of the head.

Cameras cut to the dugout after the foul ball, where Ruiz could be seen holding the side of his head and leaving for the clubhouse. He exited the game completely and was replaced by Ryan Adams behind the plate.

The Nationals have not yet issued an update on Ruiz's status. While any head injury from a hard-hit ball like this is frightening, it was certainly a good sign that he was able to immediately head to the clubhouse under his own power.

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Dan Lyons
DAN LYONS

Dan Lyons is a staff writer and editor on Sports Illustrated's Breaking and Trending News team. He joined SI for his second stint in November 2024 after a stint as a senior college football writer at Athlon Sports, and a previous run with SI spanning multiple years as a writer and editor. Outside of sports, you can find Dan at an indie concert venue or movie theater.

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