DODGERS, PHILLIES SWAP BACKUP CATCHERS
The Los Angeles Dodgers acquired catcher Carlos Ruiz and cash from the Philadelphia Phillies for catcher A.J. Ellis, pitcher Tommy Bergjans and a player to be named later.
What does it give the Los Angeles Dodgers
For the Dodgers, Ruiz adds playoff savvy and a bit better bat than the departing Ellis. So, that was the likely motivation for making this trade down the stretch. Los Angeles also got Philly to add cash to this deal, making it an even better swap for the Dodgers.
What does it give the Philadelphia Phillies
For the Phillies, Ellis will replace Ruiz as the backup catcher to Cameron Rupp (who has emerged as the starter this season). They also receive one named prospect (Bergjans) and one unnamed prospect (who could turn out to be the key to this deal for Philly).
Fantasy impact
The two backup catchers involved in this deal won't have much fantasy value down the stretch. Bergjans has some upside as either a starter or reliever, but he is not quite good enough to already be on the fantasy radar.
