Jose comes to the Riversharks from the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs after playing an integral role in their club’s success in 2013. Julio-Ruiz appeared in more games than any other Blue Crab last season playing in 124 contests. He finished near the top of many offensive categories for the Blue Crabs including second in doubles (21) and hits (128). He was versatile with the glove as well playing first base along with right and left field during the 2013 campaign.

Julio-Ruiz, 29, is entering his third season of independent baseball in 2014 after appearing in 90 games with the Fort Worth Cats of the North American League in 2012. While with the Cats Julio-Ruiz hit .347 with 55 runs, 121 hits, 30 extra-base hits and 54 RBIs. The Santiago de Cuba, Cuba, native, was tied for second on the team in runs, hits and RBIs and led the Cats in doubles (21).

The 6’3”, 235-pounder spent two years in the farm systems of the Tampa Bay Rays and Texas Rangers from 2010-2011. He reached as high as Triple-A once with the Round Rock Express (TEX) of the Pacific Coast League in 2011.