{{short description|American baseball player (born 1982)}} {{Use mdy dates|date=July 2024}} {{Infobox baseball biography | name = Justin Ruggiano | image = Justin Ruggiano on July 30, 2016.jpg | image_size = 240px | caption = Ruggiano with the New York Mets in 2016 | team = | number = | position = Outfielder | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1982|4|12}} | birth_place = Austin, Texas, U.S. | bats = Right | throws = Right | debutleague = MLB | debutdate = September 19 | debutyear = 2007 | debutteam = Tampa Bay Devil Rays |finalleague= MLB |finaldate= May 30 |finalyear= 2017 |finalteam= San Francisco Giants | statleague = MLB | stat1label = Batting average | stat1value = .256 | stat2label = Home runs | stat2value = 53 | stat3label = Runs batted in | stat3value = 163 | teams = * Tampa Bay Devil Rays / Rays ({{mlby|2007}}–{{mlby|2008}}, {{mlby|2011}}) * Miami Marlins ({{mlby|2012}}–{{mlby|2013}}) * Chicago Cubs ({{mlby|2014}}) * Seattle Mariners ({{mlby|2015}}) * Los Angeles Dodgers ({{mlby|2015}}) * Texas Rangers ({{mlby|2016}}) * New York Mets ({{mlby|2016}}) * San Francisco Giants ({{mlby|2017}}) |medaltemplates= {{MedalSport | Men's baseball}} {{MedalCountry|{{USA}}}} {{MedalCompetition|Baseball World Cup}} {{MedalGold| 2007 Tianmu | National team}} }} '''Justin Marshall Ruggiano''' (born April 12, 1982) is an American former professional baseball outfielder. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays / Rays, Miami Marlins, Chicago Cubs, Seattle Mariners, Los Angeles Dodgers, Texas Rangers, New York Mets and San Francisco Giants.
==Career== ===Texas A&M=== Ruggiano attended Texas A&M University, where he played college baseball for the Texas A&M Aggies baseball team.<ref>{{cite web|title=Justin Ruggiano|url=http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/R/justin-ruggiano.shtml|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929150043/http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/R/Justin-Ruggiano.shtml|archive-date=September 29, 2007|access-date=October 23, 2007|publisher=The Baseball Cube}}</ref>
===Los Angeles Dodgers=== The Los Angeles Dodgers drafted Ruggiano in the 25th round of the 2004 MLB draft. The Dodgers sent Ruggiano to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in 2006, with Dioner Navarro and Jae Weong Seo for Toby Hall, Mark Hendrickson and cash.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Brummond|first1=Jason|date=June 27, 2006|title=Dodgers trade for Hendrickson, Hall|work=Los Angeles Dodgers|url=http://m.dodgers.mlb.com/news/article/1525661/|url-status=dead|access-date=February 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150224085412/http://m.dodgers.mlb.com/news/article/1525661/|archive-date=February 24, 2015}}</ref>
===Tampa Bay Devil Rays / Rays=== Ruggiano made his Major League Baseball debut with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in {{Baseball year|2007}}. On October 19, 2007, Ruggiano was added to the roster of the United States national baseball team to play in the 2007 Baseball World Cup.<ref>{{cite news|author=Robbins|first=Kevin|date=October 23, 2007|title=Former Anderson High and Texas A&M outfielder named to World Cup team|newspaper=Austin American Statesman|url=http://www.statesman.com/sports/content/sports/stories/other/10/23/1023ruggiano.html|url-status=dead|access-date=October 23, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071029030818/http://www.statesman.com/sports/content/sports/stories/other/10/23/1023ruggiano.html|archive-date=October 29, 2007}}</ref>
In 2008, he batted .197 for Tampa Bay in 76 at bats. Ruggiano hit his first career home run, a long ball to left field, on June 21, 2008 off of pitcher Wandy Rodriguez of the Houston Astros. Ruggiano became part of a historical play in the 2008 World Series when Rays manager Joe Maddon moved Ruggiano from right field to become a fifth infielder, playing directly behind the second base bag.
[[File:Justin Ruggiano on June 10, 2011.jpg|thumb|right|Ruggiano during his tenure with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2011]] During the 2010–11 offseason, Ruggiano was designated for assignment.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Nicholson-Smith|first=Ben|date=February 8, 2011|title=Rays Designate Justin Ruggiano For Assignment|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2011/02/rays-designate-justin-ruggiano-for-assignment-2.html|access-date=April 3, 2021|website=MLB Trade Rumors|language=en-US}}</ref> He was again designated for assignment after the 2011 season, and on January 30, 2012, elected free agency.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Nicholson-Smith|first=Ben|date=January 30, 2012|title=Justin Ruggiano To Elect Free Agency|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2012/01/justin-ruggiano-to-elect-free-agency.html|access-date=April 3, 2021|website=MLB Trade Rumors|language=en-US}}</ref>
===Houston Astros=== On February 6, 2012, Ruggiano signed a minor league contract with the Houston Astros.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Ingemi|first=Marisa|date=February 6, 2012|title=Houston Astros Sign Justin Ruggiano|url=https://www.mlbdailydish.com/2012/2/6/2776174/houston-astros-sign-justin-ruggiano|access-date=April 3, 2021|website=MLB Daily Dish|language=en}}</ref>
===Miami Marlins=== [[File:Justin Ruggiano Marlins.jpg|thumb|left|Ruggiano batting for the Miami Marlins in 2013]] On May 26, 2012, Ruggiano was traded to the Miami Marlins for minor league catcher Jobduan Morales.<ref>{{Cite web|date=May 26, 2012|title=Houston Astros on Twitter|url=https://twitter.com/astros/status/206445110081241088|access-date=April 3, 2021|website=Twitter|language=en}}</ref> He was called up to Miami the next day, and Kevin Mattison was optioned to Triple-A.<ref>{{cite web|date=May 27, 2012|title=Justin Ruggiano called up|url=http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/47581886|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120731140915/http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/47581886|archive-date=July 31, 2012|work=NBC Sports}}</ref> After playing well in June, Ruggiano heated up in July. He ended the first half of the season with six home runs (four in the last six games), 17 RBI, and a batting average of .390. On September 21, Ruggiano injured his shoulder in the fifth inning in a game against the New York Mets. He finished the season batting .313 with 13 homers, 36 RBIs, 23 doubles, a .374 on-base percentage(OBP), and a .909 on-base slug percentage(OPS).
===Chicago Cubs=== On December 12, 2013, the Marlins traded Ruggiano to the Chicago Cubs for outfielder Brian Bogusevic.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Rogers|first=Jesse|date=December 12, 2013|title=Cubs trade for Marlins outfielder Ruggiano|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/10124410/chicago-cubs-acquire-justin-ruggiano-miami-marlins-brian-bogusevic|access-date=April 3, 2021|website=ESPN|language=en}}</ref> As a part-time outfielder during the 2014 season he played in 81 games before requiring surgery on his left ankle. Ruggiano finished the 2014 season hitting .281/.337/.429 in 224 at-bats, with six home runs and 28 RBIs.<ref>{{cite web|title=Player Updates:Justin Ruggiano|url=http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/playerpage/1103292/justin-ruggiano|access-date=September 4, 2014|website=CBS Sports|publisher=MLB}}</ref>
===Seattle Mariners=== [[File:Justin Ruggiano on May 20, 2015.jpg|thumb|Ruggiano with the Seattle Mariners in 2015]] On December 17, 2014, he was traded to the Seattle Mariners in exchange for minor leaguer Matt Brazis.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|date=October 27, 2016|title=Mariners Acquire OF Justin Ruggiano from Chicago Cubs|url=https://marinersblog.mlblogs.com/mariners-acquire-of-justin-ruggiano-from-chicago-cubs-3ab174b28820|access-date=April 3, 2021|website=Medium|language=en}}</ref> He was designated for assignment on June 4, 2015.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Short|first=D. J.|date=June 4, 2015|title=Mariners designate Justin Ruggiano for assignment|url=https://mlb.nbcsports.com/2015/06/04/mariners-designate-justin-ruggiano-for-assignment/|access-date=April 3, 2021|website=NBC Sports|language=en-US}}</ref> He cleared waivers and was assigned outright to the class AAA Tacoma Rainiers.
===Los Angeles Dodgers=== On August 31, 2015, he was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers for cash considerations,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://dodgers.mlblogs.com/2015/08/31/justin-ruggiano-reacquired-by-dodgers/|title=Justin Ruggiano reacquired by Dodgers|first=Jon|last=Weisman|work=Dodgers Insider|date=August 31, 2015|access-date=August 31, 2015|archive-date=September 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150903025210/http://dodgers.mlblogs.com/2015/08/31/justin-ruggiano-reacquired-by-dodgers/|url-status=dead}}</ref> and on September 1 was added to the active roster.<ref>{{cite web|last=Stephen|first=Eric|date=September 1, 2015|title=Dodgers add Justin Ruggiano, Joe Wieland to September roster|url=http://www.truebluela.com/2015/9/1/9242603/justin-ruggiano-joe-wieland-josh-ravin-dodgers-roster|access-date=October 7, 2015|work=SB Nation}}</ref> He played in 21 games for the Dodgers in September (mostly starting against left handed pitching) and hit .291 with four homers and 12 RBI.<ref name=br>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/ruggiju01.shtml|title=Justin Ruggiano Statistics & History|work=Baseball Reference}}</ref> On November 5, he was outrighted to the minors and removed from the 40 man roster. On November 6, he chose to become a free agent rather than accept an assignment to the minors.<ref>{{cite web|last=Stephen|first=Eric|date=November 5, 2015|title=Justin Ruggiano sent outright to Triple-A Oklahoma City|url=http://www.truebluela.com/2015/11/5/9678996/justin-ruggiano-outright-dodgers-triple-a-40-man-roster|access-date=November 5, 2015|work=SB Nation}}</ref>
===Texas Rangers=== On December 17, 2015, Ruggiano signed a one-year deal with the Texas Rangers.<ref>{{cite web|last=Harding|first=Thomas|date=December 17, 2015|title=Rangers sign OF Ruggiano to 1-year deal|url=http://m.rangers.mlb.com/news/article/159837352/rangers-sign-outfielder-justin-ruggiano|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151220235134/http://m.rangers.mlb.com/news/article/159837352/rangers-sign-outfielder-justin-ruggiano|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 20, 2015|access-date=December 17, 2015|work=Texas Rangers}}</ref> Ruggiano made the Rangers opening day roster with the initial plan of Ruggiano platooning with outfielder Josh Hamilton. Ruggiano started opening day for the Rangers going 1-for-4 with a double and an RBI. After the first game of the season, the Rangers designated Ruggiano for assignment.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Sullivan|first=T.R.|date=April 8, 2016|title=Ruggiano DFA'd to make room for Griffin|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/ruggiano-designated-for-assignment-by-rangers-c171209268|access-date=April 3, 2021|website=MLB.com|language=en}}</ref> He was outrighted to the Triple–A Round Rock Express afterwards. He was released on July 26, 2016.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Fraley|first=Gerry|date=July 29, 2016|title=Justin Ruggiano's failed season with the Rangers ends with his release|url=https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/rangers/2016/07/29/justin-ruggiano-s-failed-season-with-the-rangers-ends-with-his-release/|access-date=April 3, 2021|website=The Dallas Morning News|language=en}}</ref>
===New York Mets=== On July 30, 2016, the Mets signed Ruggiano to their 25-man roster to replace the injured José Reyes<ref>{{Cite web|last=Battifarano|first=Andrew|date=July 30, 2016|title=Mets sign Justin Ruggiano, send Reyes to DL {{!}} SNY|url=https://www.sny.tv/mets/news/mets-sign-justin-ruggiano-send-reyes-to-dl/192649062|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161004002041/https://www.sny.tv/mets/news/mets-sign-justin-ruggiano-send-reyes-to-dl/192649062|archive-date=October 4, 2016|access-date=April 3, 2021|website=SNY}}</ref> After only six plate appearances with the Mets, Ruggiano was placed on the disabled list with a left hamstring strain.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Rubin|first1=Adam|date=August 2, 2016|title=Mets place SS Cabrera on DL amid roster shuffle|work=ESPN|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/17203738/new-york-mets-place-ss-asdrubal-cabrera-justin-ruggiano-disabled-list|access-date=August 3, 2016}}</ref> On August 18, Ruggiano returned from the disabled list. After appearing in five games and hitting two home runs, including a grand slam off of Madison Bumgarner, Ruggiano was placed on the disabled list again with a shoulder injury.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Guardado|first1=Maria|date=August 27, 2016|title=Mets place Justin Ruggiano on the disabled list (again), recall T.J. Rivera|work=NJ.com|url=http://www.nj.com/mets/index.ssf/2016/08/mets_place_justin_ruggiano_on_the_disabled_list_ag.html|access-date=August 30, 2016}}</ref>
===San Francisco Giants=== On December 23, 2016, Ruggiano signed a minor league contract with the San Francisco Giants.<ref>{{cite web|last=Saltzman|first=Michael|date=December 23, 2016|title=San Francisco Giants Bring Back Michael Morse on Minor League Deal|url=http://www.foxsports.com/mlb/story/san-francisco-giants-bring-back-michael-morse-on-minor-league-deal-122316|access-date=December 24, 2016|work=Fox Sports}}</ref> On May 6, 2017, after playing for the Sacramento River Cats for a month, San Francisco purchased Ruggiano's contract, promoting him to the Giants.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Haft|first1=Chris|date=May 6, 2017|title=Giants promote Ruggiano, DFA Stubbs|url=http://m.giants.mlb.com/news/article/228680422/giants-promote-outfielder-justin-ruggiano|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170506230247/http://m.giants.mlb.com/news/article/228680422/giants-promote-outfielder-justin-ruggiano/|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 6, 2017|access-date=May 6, 2017|work=San Francisco Giants}}</ref> On June 2, Ruggiano was designated for assignment when Austin Slater was called up from Triple-A Sacramento. He cleared waivers and reported to Triple-A Sacramento. On July 25, Ruggiano opted out of his minor league deal with the Giants.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Adams|first=Steve|date=July 25, 2017|title=Justin Ruggiano Opts Out Of Giants Contract|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2017/07/justin-ruggiano-opts-out-of-giants-contract.html|access-date=April 3, 2021|website=MLB Trade Rumors|language=en-US}}</ref>
Ruggiano retired in the offseason to become a hitting instructor for younger players at his home in Sunnyvale, Texas.
==Personal life== As of February 2016, Ruggiano and his wife, Shelly, lived in Heath, Texas with their children. Following the late December 2015 North American storm complex, Ruggiano and his wife volunteered via their church to help in the recovery effort.<ref name="tornado">{{cite news|last1=Sullivan|first1=T.R.|date=February 20, 2016|title=Justin Ruggiano aids community after tornadoes|work=MLB.com|publisher=Major League Baseball|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/justin-ruggiano-aids-community-after-tornadoes-c165018414|access-date=July 30, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Laurila|first1=David|date=August 21, 2010|title=Family Matters, with Justin Ruggiano|work=Minor Issues|publisher=Baseball Prospectus|url=http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=11815|access-date=July 30, 2016}}</ref>
Ruggiano's brother, Brian, also played baseball for Texas A&M and, like Justin, was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers (in the 23rd round of the 2008 MLB draft). A catcher in college, Brian played infield and outfield for four years in minor and independent baseball, spending the 2010 season with the Great Lakes Loons of the Class A Midwest League.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Neary|first1=Kevin|last2=Tobin|first2=Leigh A.|title=Major League Dads: Baseball's Best Players Reflect on the Fathers who Inspired Them to Love the Game|date=2012|publisher=Running Press|isbn=978-0762444526|page=[https://archive.org/details/majorleaguedadsb0000near/page/195 195]|url=https://archive.org/details/majorleaguedadsb0000near|url-access=registration|quote=justin ruggiano siblings.|access-date=30 July 2016|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Brian Ruggiano Register Statistics & History|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.cgi?id=ruggia001bri|website=Baseball-Reference.com|publisher=Sports Reference, LLC|access-date=30 July 2016}}</ref>
==References== {{reflist|30em}}
==External links== {{Commons category|Justin Ruggiano}} {{Portal|Biography|Baseball}} {{Baseballstats|mlb=448605|espn=28922|br=r/ruggiju01|fangraphs=7620|brm=ruggia001jus}} *{{Twitter}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Ruggiano, Justin}} Category:1982 births Category:Living people Category:Baseball players from Austin, Texas Category:Chicago Cubs players Category:Durham Bulls players Category:Iowa Cubs players Category:Jacksonville Suns players Category:Las Vegas 51s players Category:Leones del Caracas players Category:American expatriate baseball players in Venezuela Category:Los Angeles Dodgers players Category:Major League Baseball outfielders Category:Miami Marlins players Category:Montgomery Biscuits players Category:New York Mets players Category:Ogden Raptors players Category:Oklahoma City RedHawks players Category:Round Rock Express players Category:San Francisco Giants players Category:Sacramento River Cats players Category:Seattle Mariners players Category:Tacoma Rainiers players Category:Tampa Bay Devil Rays players Category:Tampa Bay Rays players Category:Team USA players Category:Texas A&M Aggies baseball players Category:Texas Rangers players Category:Vero Beach Dodgers players Category:Yaquis de Obregón players Category:American expatriate baseball players in Mexico Category:People from Heath, Texas Category:Baseball players from Rockwall County, Texas Category:Baseball players from Kaufman County, Texas