Former MLB player suing ex-division rival over career-ending injury: 'Obvious and avoidable risk'

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An ex-Major League Baseball player is blaming a former opponent for his career-ending injury.

Darin Ruf played first base for the Milwaukee Brewers June 2, 2023, in a game against the NL Central rival Cincinnati Reds. Little did he know it would be the final game of his career.

In the third inning, Ruf was chasing a pop-up in foul territory when his knee crashed into the end of the field tarp roller. Ruf badly cut his knee and limped off the field with the help of a trainer.

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Milwaukee Brewers designated hitter Darin Ruf bats during the first inning against the St. Louis Cardinals May 16, 2023, in St. Louis.  (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson, File)

Ruf's complaint says the end of the tarp roller was made of sharp metal and had no protective cushioning or cap. The TV broadcast of the game said there was a "significant hunk of metal … that doesn't give very much."

Ruf went on the 60-day injured list and never played in the major leagues again.

His initial injury, aside from the laceration, was ruled a non-displaced fracture of his patella. But, according to Ruf's complaint, he suffered "permanent and substantial deformities to his knee." 

"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."

Milwaukee Brewers designated hitter Darin Ruf (25) hits a single during the eighth inning against the Houston Astros May 22, 2023, at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wis. (Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel/USA Today Network)

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