Previous Makers player Darin Ruf sues Reds over injury in
CINCINNATI (AP)– Previous big league outfielder/first baseman Darin Ruf is taking legal action against the Cincinnati Reds for damages after he suffered a career-ending injury while crashing into an exposed tarpaulin roller at Excellent American Ballpark two years ago.The suit submitted Thursday in the Hamilton County (Ohio) Court of Common Pleas charges the Reds with neglect in stopping working to keep safe field conditions and specifically points out the presence of the unpadded metal tarp roller.Advertisement “This didn’t
need to take place,
“Ruf said in a declaration. “I wish it didn’t take place. Players shouldn’t have to worry about surprise threats like that on a major league field.” Ruf was playing first base for Milwaukee when he was hurt during the third inning of the Brewers ‘5-4, 11-inning triumph over the Reds on June 2, 2023. In the third inning, Ruf was going after a foul pop when his knee hit completion of the tarpaulin roller.According to the complaint, Ruf suffered “long-term and considerable defects to his
knee.”Ruf went on the 60-day injured list and never played in the major leagues again.Ruf’s problem states completion of the tarp roller was made of sharp metal and had no protective cushioning or
cap.Advertisement”This was an obvious and avoidable danger, “Tad Thomas, Ruf’s lawyer, stated in a release revealing the suit.
“There are fundamental safety procedures every MLB team should follow. Leaving an unpadded metal roller on the edge of the field is inexcusable. “The Reds had no immediate reaction to a message looking for comment.Ruf is seeking punitive and compensatory damages. The complaint says the Reds didn’t take affordable preventative measures to keep the arena safe and likewise are responsible for the irresponsible acts of the grounds crew’s”negligent”conduct.Ruf, 38, played in the majors from 2012-23 with the Philadelphia Phillies(2012-16 ), San Francisco Giants(2020-22, 2023), New York City Mets (2022) and Brewers(2023). He batted.239 with a. 329 on-base percentage, 67 homers and 205 RBIs in 582 profession games. ___ AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB