Another Blow: Cincinnati Reds Suffer Another Shocking And Potentially Career-Ending Injury To Key Veteran
Cincinnati — Darin Ruf, a former big league outfielder/first baseman, is suing the Cincinnati Reds for damages after suffering a career-ending injury two years ago when he collided with an exposed tarp roller at Great American Ballpark.
The case, filed Thursday in the Hamilton County (Ohio) Court of Common Pleas, accuses the Reds of negligence in failing to maintain safe field conditions and notably mentions the existence of the unpadded metal tarp roller.
“This didn’t need to happen,” Ruf said in a statement. “I wish it hadn’t happened. Players should not have to be concerned about concealed risks like that on a major league field.”
On June 2, 2023, Ruf was hurt while playing first base for the Milwaukee Brewers in a 5-4, 11-inning victory over the Reds. Ruf’s knee collided with the end of the tarp roller in the third inning while pursuing a foul pop.
Ruf, according to the complaint, suffered “permanent and substantial deformities to his knee.” Ruf went on the 60-day disabled list and never returned to the major leagues.
Ruf complained that the tarp roller’s end was constructed of jagged metal with no protective padding or lid.
“This was an obvious and avoidable risk,” Tad Thomas, Ruf’s attorney, said in an announcement announcing the complaint. “There are fundamental safety standards every MLB team should observe. Leaving an unpadded metal roller on the perimeter of the field is unforgivable.”
The Reds did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment.
Ruf is seeking both punitive and compensatory damages. The complaint argues the Reds didn’t take reasonable efforts to maintain the stadium safe and also are accountable for the negligent acts of the grounds crew’s “reckless” conduct.
Ruf, 38, played in the majors from 2012 to 2023 with the Philadelphia Phillies (2012-16), San Francisco Giants (2020-22, 2023), New York Mets (2022) and Brewers (2023). He hit .239 with a .329 on-base percentage, 67 homers and 205 RBIs in 582 career games.
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