A former Major League Baseball player is suing one of his former teams.
The Associated Press reported Thursday that former outfielder and first baseman Darin Ruf is suing the Cincinnati Reds for damages in the Hamilton County (Ohio) Court of Common Pleas.
Rug, suffered a career-ending injury while crashing into an uncovered tarp roller at Great American Ball Park in 2023, is accusing the Reds with negligence in failing to maintain safe field conditions.
Specifically, the lawsuit cites the presence of the unpadded metal tarp roller, according to the Associated Press.
“This didn’t need to happen,” Ruf said in a statement. “I wish it didn’t happen. Players shouldn’t have to worry about hidden hazards like that on a major league field.”
Ruf was playing first base for Milwaukee when he was injured in foul territory during the Brewers’ 5-4 win on June 2, 2023.
He suffered “permanent and substantial deformities to his knee,” was placed on 60-day injured list and never played in the major leagues again.
Ruf is seeking punitive and compensatory damages. The Reds have not commented on the matter.
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 batted .239 with 67 homers and 205 RBIs in 582 career games.
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