Ruiz works at first base, but it's not what you think

As the Nationals took the field for batting practice Friday afternoon, Miguel Cairo motioned to Keibert Ruiz and José Tena to come join him at first base. To field grounders. And make some throws. And learn a little bit about a position neither of them has ever played before in a game.

It made for quite the scene, both because the 51-year-old interim manager was showing off his own still-solid glove skills and because the sight of Ruiz at something other than the catcher’s position made for an obvious question: Are the Nats thinking about moving him to first base at some point?

“No, no, no. It’s nothing like we’re planning to do it,” Ruiz said today.

As the 27-year-old catcher, out since early July with a concussion, explained: This is a way for him to get some on-field activity without putting himself at risk of further health problems. From a psychological standpoint, doctors have told him to try to stay engaged and react to baseball movements without thinking about the concussion.

“Kind of to put your mind away from: ‘Oh, I have to be careful,’” Ruiz said. “It’s nothing like I’m going to play first base now.”

Cairo concurred, insisting the pregame drill Friday was designed to keep Ruiz moving on the field without subjecting himself to any contact, because he’s still not allowed to perform catching duties.

“He’s moving around, moving his feet. It was good cardio, for me and for him,” Cairo said. “I told him: ‘Get over here,' so he can start doing some stuff. Get ground balls before he gets back behind the plate. But it’s not a big deal.”

The Nationals have been contemplating some alternatives at first base in the wake of their decision this week to designate Nathaniel Lowe for assignment. The 29-year-old former Gold Glove Award winner with the Rangers was cut loose Thursday when the club needed to clear a roster spot for returning outfielder Dylan Crews.

The Nats officially requested unconditional release waivers today on Lowe, which means unless he’s claimed by another franchise, he will be released and the team will be responsible for the entirety of his $10.3 million salary this season.

In the meantime, Josh Bell has become the regular first baseman and today makes his third start at the position. But Cairo also said veteran infielder Paul DeJong is likely to see some game action there. And while it’s unlikely Tena would get into a game at first base, the fact he’s working there at least suggests the Nationals want to be prepared for the possibility.

As for Ruiz, any action on a baseball field right now is an encouraging development. He said he continues to feel better with each passing day, but his next doctor’s appointment is still nearly two weeks away. The process of recovery remains slow.

That’s why a brief session learning a new position with his interim manager was still an uplifting experience, even if there’s no long-term transition in mind.

“It’s good. I just do it to keep moving my body,” he said. “Just have fun and play the game.”