Carlos Ruiz exited yesterday’s 10-3 loss to the Rockies in the seventh inning with a right oblique strain.  Ruiz injured his oblique in the third inning when catching a pop fly in foul territory.

Ruiz is listed as day-to-day, but the Phillies did have top catching prospect Lou Marson, leave Lehigh Valley to meet the Phillies in Denver in case Ruiz should go on the disabled list.  If needed, Marson will be able to play tonight.

Oblique injuries are tricky and can linger for  most of the season if severe enough.  Given it’s only four games into the season, and Marson is already with the team, expect the Phillies to take the cautious approach and place Ruiz on the disabled list so he’s healthy the remainder of the season.  Should this happen, expect Marson and backup catcher Chris Coste to equally share the catching duties.  In saying that, should Marson start off hot, it’s possible he’ll get a majority of the playing time until Ruiz returns.

While not known for his offensive ability, the Phillies will miss Ruiz for any period he is out.  He’s one of the league’s better defensive catchers, and calls a good game.