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Big series has Ruiz primed for extended stay

ATLANTA -- Rio Ruiz was distraught last week when the Braves opted not to promote him from Triple-A Gwinnett after Adonis Garcia was placed on the disabled list. But when Freddie Freeman fractured his left wrist the next day, Ruiz was given an opportunity that has positioned him to remain Atlanta's primary third baseman even after Garcia is activated.

Ruiz is far from a finished product, as there remains some concern about his strikeout rate, struggles against left-handed pitching and some defensive limitations. But as the 23-year-old third baseman recorded a career-best three hits during Thursday afternoon's 9-4 loss to the Pirates, he gave the Braves further reason to believe he has at least earned the right to extend his development at the big league level.