The Atlanta Braves made another bullpen move Saturday, claiming right-handed reliever Jose Ruiz off waivers from the Philadelphia Phillies, as confirmed by David O’Brien of The Athletic in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, confirming the news.

“#Braves claimed RHP José Ruiz off waivers from the Phillies”

The waiver claim comes just days after Craig Kimbrel was called up, pitched briefly, and then pulled back down — a surprising sequence for the veteran closer. The instability reflects the growing concern surrounding the Braves bullpen struggles, which hit a boiling point after Atlanta blew a six-run ninth-inning lead to the Arizona Diamondbacks earlier this week.

Ruiz, 30, had recently been designated for assignment by Philadelphia after posting a 5.93 ERA in limited action. For Atlanta, who currently sits 12 games behind the division-leading New York Mets and has lost four straight games, the move signals another attempt to patch up a faltering relief core.

Article Continues Below
More Atlanta Braves News
Atlanta Braves shortstop Nacho Alvarez Jr. (17) is congratulated after scoring a run against the Milwaukee Brewers in the third inning at American Family Field.
Braves’ elite prospect suffers oblique injury, future uncertainGuillermo Guajardo ·
Braves news: Matt Olson joins Cal Ripken Jr, Miguel Tejada with historic feat
Braves’ Matt Olson joins Cal Ripken Jr, Miguel Tejada with historic featChris Spiering ·
Jun 18, 2025; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr (13) reacts after hitting a lead off home run against the New York Mets during the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Ronald Acuna Jr.’s Home Run Derby message will fire Braves fans upMike Gianakos ·
Atlanta Braves left fielder Stuart Fairchild (17) and right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (13) and center fielder Eli White (36) celebrate after defeating the New York Mets at Citi Field.
Ronald Acuña Jr. makes massive Home Run Derby decisionScotty White ·
MLB rumors: Insider gives brutally honest prediction on Padres trading for Braves star, Sean Murphy
MLB rumors: Insider gives brutally honest prediction on Padres trading for Braves starChris Spiering ·
Atlanta Braves right fielder Ronald Acuña Jr. (13) dives to steal second base against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the fifth inning at PNC Park.
Braves’ Ronald Acuna Jr. hits impressive milestone with 200th stolen baseJosh Davis ·

The roster shuffle occurs amid mounting Brian Snitker criticism. The longtime manager has seen uncharacteristic errors from his club, and after a poor start, some fans have openly questioned his leadership for the first time in years.

As of Saturday, Atlanta has not announced a corresponding 26-man roster move. However, because the 40-man roster had only 39 players prior to the Ruiz claim, a 40-man adjustment will not be necessary.

The Kimbrel Braves saga — bringing up the veteran only to quickly reverse course — combined with declining late-game execution, paints a troubling picture for a team built to contend. With Braves bullpen struggles continuing and playoff hopes fading, Ruiz’s arrival is a gamble on a fresh arm and a reset in momentum.

The Braves will look to snap their skid Saturday afternoon in Game 2 of their series against the Giants at Oracle Park, following a walk-off loss in the opener where the Braves stranded the bases loaded in the 10th inning.