The elements of the veteran backstop's slash line were among the lowest of his 12 seasons, but he served his main purpose of providing an occasional off day for Mike Zunino. The Mariners didn't have many designs on Ruiz serving as an offensive force in what had been expected to be sporadic playing time coming into the season. Ruiz could opt to call it a career rather than return for what would be his age-39 season.

Facing Santiago Casilla, the veteran backstop smacked his third homer of the season and his second in as many starts. Ruiz continues to see sporadic playing time behind Mike Zunino, but he's provided some decent pop with 11 extra-base hits (eight doubles, three homers) in limited opportunities this season.

The veteran backstop's average had dipped as low as .119 as late as May 18, but Ruiz has slashed .314/.407/.471 with five doubles, a homer, six walks and seven runs in 59 plate appearances since. He's a somewhat appealing option when Mike Zunino requires a day off.

The veteran catcher picked it up at the plate in June by producing a .294/.400/.588 line, but Sunday's hits were his first in three July starts. Ruiz had hit under .250 just twice in 13 major-league seasons prior to the 2017 campaign, so it was likely that he'd eventually snap out of his early-season funk -- one that saw his average dip as low as .111. The 38-year-old will continue to see periodic starts in Mike Zunino's stead, but the latter's solid play and Ruiz's advanced age will likely conspire to keep his playing time fairly scarce in the second half of the season.