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By Jon Weisman
Vidal Nuño, a 29-year-old left-handed reliever, has been acquired from Seattle by the Dodgers in exchange for catcher Carlos Ruiz.
Nuño had a 3.53 ERA and 1.33 WHIP in 58 2/3 innings with 51 strikeouts for the Mariners last year. Left-handed hitters historically have struggled against him, though in 2016 they OPSed .809 against the native of National City (no relation to Capital City).
The trade unites Nuño with Brandon McCarthy — back in 2014, the Diamondbacks traded McCarthy and cash consideration to the Yankees for Nuño.
Ruiz went 10 for 36 for the Dodgers in the regular season after he was acquired from the Phillies in the trade for A.J. Ellis, then 3 for 11 in the playoffs with a walk, double and two-run homer. The Dodgers had a 2017 team option for Ruiz.
Ellis, who is now a free agent, went 10 for 32 with three doubles, three walks and a homer down the stretch for Philadelphia.
Austin Barnes, who has an .845 OPS in two seasons with Triple-A Oklahoma City, now slots as the backup catcher to Yasmani Grandal.
Don Bright
Jon, does Nuno have options left?