Former MLB Player Darin Ruf Sues Cincinnati Reds Over Career-Ending Injury
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CINCINNATI, May 24, 2025 — In a significant legal development, former Major League Baseball (MLB) player Darin Ruf has filed a lawsuit against the Cincinnati Reds, alleging negligence that led to a career-ending injury. The incident occurred on June 2, 2023, at Great American Ball Park during a game between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Cincinnati Reds.
The Incident
While playing first base for the Milwaukee Brewers, Ruf chased a foul ball down the right-field line. In the process, he collided with an unpadded, sharp-edged metal tarp roller situated near the field’s edge. The impact resulted in a fractured kneecap and a deep laceration to his right knee. Ruf was immediately placed on the 60-day injured list and has not returned to professional baseball since.
Legal Claims
The lawsuit, filed in Hamilton County (Ohio) Court of Common Pleas, accuses the Cincinnati Reds of failing to maintain safe field conditions. Specifically, it highlights the presence of the unpadded metal tarp roller as a hazardous object that should have been addressed. Ruf’s attorney, Tad Thomas, stated, “This was an obvious and avoidable risk. There are basic safety protocols every MLB team should follow. Leaving an unpadded metal roller on the edge of the field is inexcusable.”
The complaint alleges that the Reds did not take reasonable precautions to ensure player safety and that the grounds crew’s actions were negligent. Ruf is seeking both punitive and compensatory damages for the injury that effectively ended his professional baseball career.
Impact on Ruf’s Career
Darin Ruf, 38, had a notable MLB career spanning from 2012 to 2023. He played for teams including the Philadelphia Phillies, San Francisco Giants, New York Mets, and Milwaukee Brewers. Over his career, Ruf achieved a batting average of .239, hit 67 home runs, and had 205 runs batted in across 582 games. Additionally, he spent three seasons in South Korea’s KBO League with the Samsung Lions, where he led the league in runs batted in during the 2017 season.
Broader Implications
This lawsuit brings to light concerns about player safety in professional sports venues. The presence of hazardous objects like unpadded tarp rollers on the field raises questions about the standards and protocols in place to protect athletes. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for how MLB teams manage and maintain their facilities to ensure player safety.
Cincinnati Reds’ Response
As of now, the Cincinnati Reds have not issued a public statement regarding the lawsuit. The organization may be reviewing the claims and preparing a legal response. The case is expected to proceed through the Ohio court system, where both parties will present their arguments.
Conclusion
Darin Ruf’s lawsuit against the Cincinnati Reds underscores the importance of stringent safety measures in professional sports. As the legal proceedings unfold, the case will likely prompt MLB teams to re-evaluate their field maintenance protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future. The baseball community awaits further developments in this significant case concerning player safety and organizational responsibility.
