Dodgers send Ellis to Phillies for Ruiz in catcher swap

The National League West-leading Los Angeles Dodgers acquired Carlos Ruiz from Philadelphia in a trade of backup catchers Thursday, getting a popular player with a world of postseason experience.

The Phillies also sent $1 million to the Dodgers for A.J. Ellis, minor league pitcher Tommy Bergjans and a player to be named or cash.

Ruiz, 37, was hitting .261 with three home runs and 12 RBIs in 48 games, playing behind Cameron Rupp. Ruiz has done well lately, batting .340 (16for-47) since the All-Star break.

Ruiz was an All-Star in 2012, and Phillies fans loved to call out his nickname — “Chooch” — when he delivered big hits. He got many of them for Philadelphia, batting .353 with two homers and five RBIs in 11 World Series games.

Overall, Ruiz played 46 games in the postseason with the Phillies, helping them win five NL East crowns. Those titles came alongside former Philadelphia star Chase Utley, and this trade reunites them on the Dodgers.

The trade also leaves just aging slugger Ryan Howard in Philadelphia from the team that won the 2008 championship.

Ellis hit .194 with one homer and 13 RBIs this season as a backup to Yasmani Grandal.

Ellis, 35, often caught Clayton Kershaw and was one of the Cy Young Award winner’s best friends. Kershaw recently said the clubhouse chemistry on the Dodgers was the best he’d seen on any of his teams.

NATIONALS — Washington acquired reliever Marc Rzepczynski from Oakland, giving the NL East leaders another lefty in the bullpen.

Oakland also sent $500,000 to be paid on Sept. 30 to the Nationals for minor league infielder Max Schrock.

Rzepczynski, 30, was 1-0 with a 3.00 ERA in 56 games this season. Joining the sixth team of his major league career, he has pitched in 18 postseason games and helped St. Louis win the World Series in 2011.

Rzepczynski’s 70.5 percent groundball rate this season is the majors’ second best behind Baltimore closer Zach Britton.

Schrock, 21, was a 13th-round draft pick in 2015. He’s hit a combined .333 with nine home runs, 68 RBIs and 22 stolen bases at two Class A levels.

* BLUE JAYS — Slugger Jose Bautista was activated from the 15-day disabled list, and middle infielder Ryan Goins was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo.

Bautista, 35, suffered a sprained left knee when he stumbled in the outfield on Aug. 9, his second injury this season while playing right field.

Manager John Gibbons said the six-time All-Star will spend “plenty of time” at designated hitter.

Also, second baseman Devon Travis, who is having an issue with a knuckle on his right ring finger, sat out a third straight game but hopes to return Friday.

All-Star outfielder Michael Saunders also sat out Thursday with a hamstring injury.

RANGERS — Former All-Star outfielder Carlos Gomez joined Texas and was in the Rangers’ starting lineup Thursday, five days after signing a minor league deal with the American League West leaders.

Texas added Gomez, 30, from Triple-A Round Rock. The former Gold Glove winner was in the lineup batting eighth and playing left field in the series opener against Cleveland.

Outfielder Drew Stubbs, 31, was designated for assignment to make room on the roster.

TWINS— Minnesota demoted Jose Berrios, its top pitching prospect, to Triple-A Rochester after he gave up six runs on six hits and five walks in an 8-5 loss to Detroit on Thursday.

The 22-year-old right-hander has made nine starts spanning 37 innings for the Twins, posting a 2-4 record, 9.24 ERA, 35 strikeouts and 23 walks.

Minnesota also sent down righthander Tyler Duffey and recalled left-hander Andrew Albers.

MARINERS — Seattle activated left-hander James Paxton following a stint on the 15-day disabled list with a bruised elbow.

The Mariners opened a roster spot by designating left-hander Wade LeBlanc for assignment.

Also, infielder Mike Freeman was recalled from Triple-A Tacoma, and right-handed reliever Tony Zych was optioned to Tacoma.

Freeman, 29, provides depth with third baseman Kyle Seager sitting out a second straight game with a bruised right foot.

WBC — Dodger Stadium will host the championship game of the 2017 World Baseball Classic, with Marlins Park and Petco Park also holding games leading up to final on March 22. Brazil, Britain, Israel and Pakistan will play qualifiers Sept. 22-25 at the home of the Brooklyn Cyclones’ minor league team.

Tokyo, South Korea, Miami and Guadalajara, Mexico will host firstround games in March. Tokyo and San Diego will hold the second-round games. The semifinals and final will be played at the home of the Los Angeles Dodgers.