Philadelphia Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz was one of three Phils to be named to the 2012 MLB All-Star game. National League manager Tony La Russa has decided to give Ruiz a special assignment: catch right-handed knuckleball pitcher R.A. Dickey (via Philly.com).
Dickey will pitch as a reliever so he and Ruiz won't enter the game until at least the fifth or sixth inning. When Ruiz lines up behind the plate, it will be the first time in his career that he's tried to catch a major league knuckleball. Minnesota catcher Joe Mauer has some experience with Dickey's speedier version of the pitch and said, "I know when R.A. came over, he gave me some pointers. I'm sure he's talking with Ruiz. It could be a little nerve-wracking, especially when guys get on base."
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