Former MLB player Darin Ruf sues Reds over career-ending knee injury
An ex-Major League Baseball player, Darin Ruf, recently filed a lawsuit against a former opponent for a career-ending injury he sustained while playing for the Milwaukee Brewers on June 2, 2023. Ruf was chasing a pop-up in foul territory during a game against the Cincinnati Reds when his knee collided with the sharp metal end of the field tarp roller. This resulted in a deep cut on his knee, leading to his removal from the game and ultimately ending his career.
The injury, initially diagnosed as a non-displaced fracture of his patella, left Ruf with permanent and substantial deformities in his knee. He expressed regret over the incident, stating that players should not have to worry about hidden hazards like the unpadded metal roller on a major league field. Ruf’s attorney, Tad Thomas, emphasized that basic safety protocols should have been followed to prevent such avoidable risks.
This situation is reminiscent of Dustin Fowler’s experience in 2017 when he sustained a knee injury during his major league debut after colliding with an electrical box while chasing a pop fly. Fowler also sued for negligence, highlighting the importance of maintaining safe playing conditions for athletes.
Ruf, who played for various teams during his career, including the Philadelphia Phillies, San Francisco Giants, New York Mets, and Brewers, batted .239 with 67 home runs and 205 RBI in 582 career games. The incident occurred during his 11th game with the Brewers, following a stint with the Giants.
The Reds, Ruf’s opponent in the game where the injury occurred, have yet to comment on the lawsuit. However, Ruf’s legal team is determined to hold accountable those responsible for the unsafe conditions that led to his career-ending injury. The lawsuit serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing player safety in professional sports to prevent similar incidents in the future.
