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PHILADELPHIA -- Carlos Ruiz and the Philadelphia Phillies completed their $26 million, three-year contract Thursday. Ruiz, an All-Star catcher in 2012, hit .268 with five homers and 37 RBIs in 92 games last season after serving a 25-game suspension for using a banned amphetamine. He also spent time on the disabled list. "Numerous times weve stated Carlos importance to our ballclub," general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said. "Not only does he combine excellent defence with offensive production, but the last couple years he has developed into a clubhouse leader and someone who is relied upon, not just by the pitchers he works with but by young position players, as well. Carlos is a championship-calibre player at a premium position and we are very happy to have him as a Phillie for 2014 and beyond." The sides agreed to terms Monday in a deal that takes Ruiz off the free-agent market. Ruiz, who turns 35 in January, has spent his entire career with the Phillies. He played a key role in helping them win five straight NL East titles from 2007-11 and the 2008 World Series title. Ruiz, who earned $5 million last season, will make $8.5 million in each of the next three years. Philadelphia holds a $4.5 million club option for 2017 with a $500,000 buyout. Known for his defensive skills, Ruiz has improved his hitting over the past four seasons. Hes batted .295 since 2010, third-best among NL catchers during that span. Ruiz hit .246 over his first four seasons. Ruiz set career highs with a .325 average, 32 doubles, 16 home runs and 68 RBIs in 114 games in 2012. "Certainly this is a commitment that will be scrutinized," Amaro said of the length of the deal. Ruiz is a .274 career hitter with 57 homers and 336 RBIs in eight seasons. Mostly used as the No. 8 hitter in the lineup during Philadelphias title run, Ruiz often batted in the middle of the order the last two seasons. Montay Crockett Jersey .ca look back at each of the Top 10 stories of 2013. 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Lukayus McNeil Jersey .Brothers B.J. and Justin Upton each homered and had an outfield assist, and the Braves held on for a 4-2 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday night.NEW YORK -- The next phase in New York Mets ace Matt Harveys rehabilitation from elbow reconstruction surgery is being pushed back, and the All-Star right-hander is becoming more realistic about his chances of pitching in the major leagues this year. Harvey was supposed to throw off a slope for the first time Tuesday but he was told last week while working out at the Mets complex in Port St. Lucie, Florida, that the plan was being scrapped. "A little surprised," Harvey said before the Mets played the Milwaukee Brewers. "We kind of had that plan written up for quite some time and to hear four or five days before Im making a milestone is a little disappointing." New York general manager Sandy Alderson said there is nothing wrong with Harvey. In fact the 25-year-olds recovery might have been going too well. "I think the realization that as we transition from long tossing to throwing off a slope that we were moving sort of inexorably to a conclusion that we wanted to avoid, which is pitching too soon," Alderson said. "After talking with our doctors it made sense to slow him down a little bit." In a season in which Tommy John surgery has become a near epidemic -- 22 pitchers had the operation so far, according to data provided from STATS via writer Jon Roegele -- the Mets are basing their timetable for Harveys return on a growing amount of data that shows pitchers have morre success if they dont return before 11 months from the date of surgery.ddddddddddddHarvey had his operation on Oct. 22. "Thats about the last week in September," Alderson said of the target date. "Thats a very narrow window to try to hit from our standpoint." Manager Terry Collins, who was given a vote of confidence from Alderson with the Mets on a six-game skid, said he wouldnt expect Harvey to pitch for New York in the final week of the season unless the team was in contention. Harvey had been set on returning this season but understands the decision is out of his hands. "I think Im coming to realize that I cant write myself in the lineup is becoming more realistic," Harvey said. "Im the one throwing the baseball. I havent had one pinch of pain. I can only express how good I feel and how ready I personally feel." Harvey will continue to long toss from 120 feet -- sometimes 150 -- and throw off flat ground for the time being. Alderson said a new plan has not yet been finalized. Alderson, meanwhile, met with Collins after the team returned from an 11-game road trip a season-high seven games under .500 at 28-35 because he felt there was too much talk about Collins status in the media. "Every time we lose a few games in a row, theres speculation about somebody taking a fall and thats simply not the way to approach a long season," Alderson said