by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (5/21/2013) The Phillies' struggles offensively have been well-documented and Ruben Amaro Jr. told The Philadelphia Inquirer Tuesday he's looked into ways to improve the lineup. However, he said he doesn't feel Darin Ruf, who was competing for a starting job in the outfield, is the solution to bolster a struggling lineup.
"(Darin) Ruf has done well, although he’s coming off a little bit of a slump lately," Amaro said. "Ruf has done OK, but he still needs work in the outfield. While he’s done OK offensively, I’m not sure he’s better than the options we have."
Although, Amaro said Ruf is probably the top option at first base in case something long-term happens to Ryan Howard, who is battling a knee injury.
"I would think so. He’s played first base about twice a week, so we know he can do that," Amaro said.
Darin Ruf growing comfortable in left
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (5/12/2013) It was only six weeks ago that Phillies prospect Darin Ruf lost in his bid for a spot on the opening day roster because of his unpredictability in left field. But the 26-year-old slugger, who was drafted as a first baseman, has become more polished at the position for Triple-A Lehigh Valley to beckon praise from within the organization.
"He's been great, and he's getting better," Lehigh Valley manager Dave Brundage told the Philadelphia Inquirer. "He's good enough right now to play left field. He hasn't been out there that long, and for the strides he has made and the adjustments he has made, he looks so much more comfortable."
In 22 games in left field this season, Ruf has made just one error in 42 chances while also playing eight games at first without a miscue. He has also discovered his groove at the plate, recording four homers and 13 RBI over his past 12 games.
Darin Ruf finally hits stride at Triple-A
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (5/6/2013) Phillies outfielder Darin Ruf is starting to find his hitting stroke at Triple-A Lehigh Valley. After belting one home run in his first 20 games, Ruf has gone deep three times in his last seven games.
Ruf is also batting .355 (11 for 31) in his last seven games as well, raising his season average to .250. His hot streak began with a two-homer outing April 28. Ruf has nine doubles, 14 runs and 15 RBI in 27 games.
Darin Ruf wins game, loses job battle
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (3/22/2013) Phillies outfielder Darin Ruf went 2 for 4 and clubbed a game-winning, solo homer in the ninth inning to lift Philadelphia to a 7-6 win over Atlanta in Grapefruit League play Friday. Ruf, who also drew a walk and scored three times, recorded his second homer of the spring off Daniel Rodriguez.
Following his late heroics, the Phillies optioned him to Triple-A Lehigh Valley, essentially providing Domonic Brown the starting job in left field for the upcoming season. "He's gonna be a big-time hitter," manager Charlie Manuel said of Ruf. "I think he's got a bright career."
Ruf homers in return
(3/13/2013) After taking a pitch off his left triceps over the weekend, Phillies outfielder Darin Ruf returned to action in Wednesday's Grapefruit League game against the Yankees. He went 1 for 3 with a home run in the 6-2 loss. Ruf launched a solo shot off David Aardsma in the sixth inning for his first long ball of the spring.
Ruf OK after HBP
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (3/10/2013) Phillies outfielder Darin Ruf had to leave Sunday's spring game against the Astros in top of the sixth inning after getting hit by a pitch. Ruf said he was hit on the left triceps, but he said he feels fine after icing down the area, according to MLB.com. Ruf was 0 for 2 before leaving the game, lowering his batting average to .188 (6 for 32) in 11 spring games.
Ruf doing 'all right'
by Scott White | Senior Fantasy Writer (3/7/2013)Darin Ruf, who has struggled most of the spring, led the Phillies at the plate with a 2-for-4 effort Thursday against the Twins. His double in the second inning plated two, and his single an inning later scored another run. Coming into the contest, Ruf, who is battling for a starting outfield job, was 3 for 28. "Hopefully that gets him going," Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said. "Ruf is a good hitter. I don't worry about him going 3 for 30 or something. He might be trying a little hard. At the same time, he's all right."
Ruf still rough in the field
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (2/28/2013) Phillies outfielder Darin Ruf was back in the lineup Thursday against the Braves after getting a few days off because of arm soreness. Unfortunately, it wasn't a memorable return. Ruf had another defensive blunder as he continues to learn to play in left field. "Darin is going to make some mistakes," manager Charlie Manuel said, per the Philadelphia Inquirer. "Hopefully he can just keep working and see how much he can improve before the end of the spring." On a positive note, Ruf ended a 0-for-10 slump to begin the spring and finished 2 for 3 with one double and one RBI. "That's good," Manuel said, "0 for 10 doesn't faze me."
Ruf dealing with arm soreness
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (2/27/2013)The Philadelphia Inquirer reports Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said outfield Darin Ruf is dealing with arm soreness as a result of switching positions from first base to left field. "My arm just wasn't used to that yet," Ruf said. "It was a little sore in the bicep area. It's normal. It was feeling great today." Ruf is expected to play Thursday and hopefully snap out of his 0-for-9 slump to begin the spring. "He needs to get a hit and he'll be all right," Manuel said. "He's trying a little too hard."
Hall of Famer raves about Ruf
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (2/21/2013) Hall of Fame third baseman Mike Schmidt is in Phillies' camp through March 20 as a special instructor. He spoke with MLB.com Thursday about a variety of topics, including Darin Ruf, who is in competition to be the team's everyday left fielder. “At this point I’m a big fan," Schmidt said. "I think he opened a lot of eyes when he came up. I don’t want to speak out of turn, but I would guess they want him to play. I just like him. He’s a great young kid. He has no fear as a hitter against tough right-handers. You see that sometimes. He can give you a hell of an at-bat against a nasty right-handed pitcher. He’s very mature for 26. I wouldn’t discount him being your opening day starter (in left field). Let’s wait and see. He has everything you need to win that job.”
Phillies preparing for Ruf ride
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (2/15/2013) In addition to playing his normal outfield spot, Philadelphia prospect Darin Ruf is scheduled to spend some time at first base -- his natural position -- in spring training. Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said the 26-year-old will earn ample playing time at each position, but is expected to compete for a starting job in the outfield. "We'll see what we've got," Manuel said. "He's going to get to play a lot." The 26-year-old belted three homers in his 12-game cameo with Philadelphia at the end of last season.
Ruf 'might be ready'
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (1/28/2013) The addition of Delmon Young makes the Phillies' outfield situation a bit more crowded and increases the chances of Darin Ruf returning to the minors. However, manager Charlie Manuel remains enamored with the power-slugging prospect. "We got a situation in the outfield that is going to be good, especially with Ruf," Manuel said, per The Philadelphia Inquirer. "He could make it real interesting." Manuel recalled a trade in 1993 between the Indians and Phillies that involved current Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. and Heathcliff Slocumb. "John Hart and I talked and we thought that Ruben and Wayne Kirby were going to be platooning in right field," Manuel said. "The only trouble was a guy by the name of Manny Ramirez came by at the age of 19 or 20 years old. So you get what I'm talking about with Ruf? Ruf might be ready."
Ruf not out of the mix
by Scott White | Senior Fantasy Writer (1/23/2013) General manager Ruben Amaro Jr. told the Philadelphia Inquirer Tuesday that newly signed Delmon Young would be the team's everyday right fielder "in a perfect world," but that doesn't mean Domonic Brown, who was previously projected to start in right field, automatically has the job in left. Darin Ruf is in the mix as well. "Domonic Brown and Darin Ruf will be battling out in left field," Amaro said, also mentioning John Mayberry as a possibility.
