Jonathan Papelbon apparently is looking to start an annual tradition.
Papelbon took the mound Thursday for the Philadelphia Phillies wearing teammate Carlos Ruiz’s jersey. It’s the second time the veteran closer has pulled such antics, as he also donned Ruiz’s No. 51 during a spring training appearance last year.
Perhaps it’s an inside joke. Maybe it’s a coincidental pair of laundry snafus. Either way, Papelbon should probably try to wear his usual No. 58 whenever possible. Ruiz’s number hasn’t quite worked out, as Papelbon was knocked around Thursday by the Tampa Bay Rays.
