Dodgers deal Carlos Ruiz to Phillies in exchange for A.J. Ellis

LOS ANGELES -- The NL West-leading Los Angeles Dodgers have swapped catchers with Philadelphia, getting Carlos Ruiz and trading A.J. Ellis to the Phillies.

The deal was announced Thursday. The Dodgers also got cash while giving up Ellis, minor league pitcher Tommy Bergjans and a player to be named or cash.

The 37-year-old Ruiz was hitting .261 with three home runs and 12 RBI in 48 games as a backup to Cameron Rupp. Ruiz has hit .340 (16 for 47) since the All-Star break.

Popular with Phillies fans who loved to call out his nickname "Chooch," Ruiz will be reunited in Los Angeles with former Philadelphia star Chase Utley.

Ruiz was an All-Star in 2012 and is a .353 hitter in 11 World Series games.

Ellis hit .194 with one homer and 13 RBI as a backup to Yasmani Grandal.

Bergjans was 3-13 with a 4.98 ERA at Class A Rancho Cucamonga.