Jose Ruiz was born in Guacara Venezuela. In 2011, the Padres signed him as an international free agent for $1.1 Million.
Daulton Varsho wasn’t the first catcher to change positions. Jose Ruiz was a catcher until 2016 when the Padres converted him into a relief pitcher. They were impressed by his throws to second base more than his other skills. The next season, in July of 2017, he made his first appearance in the Majors – one inning pitched with no hits, one strikeout, and one walk.
In December of 2017, the White Sox selected him off waivers.