PT TOMORROW: NL East—Ruf to see time in the PHI OF?

Philadelphia Phillies

Manager Pete Mackanin has said that he is considering using Darin Ruf (1B/OF, PHI) in the outfield. Though Ruf didn’t play in the outfield at all this spring and is well below-average defensively, the thinking is that he could provide an offensive spark. The team’s primary corner outfielders Cedric Hunter (OF, PHI) and Peter Bourjos (OF, PHI) have gotten off to a rough start at the plate, combining for a scant five hits in their first 36 AB. 

Given that we’re just heading into the second week of the season, this wreaks of panic. Not only would the team’s defense suffer with Ruf in left field, but it’s unclear that he would be much of an upgrade offensively against right-handed pitching (.657 OPS in 414 lifetime AB...

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From PT Tomorrow

CJ Kayfus had a bad night in left field on Sunday. Could it hurt his playing time going forward? Plus, a look at early lineups in CHW and DET, the closer situation in KC, and positional flexibility for the Twins C.J. Culpepper.
Apr 2 2026 3:05am
With Bryan Abreu's early season struggles, is there a change to be made at closer in Houston?
Apr 1 2026 3:05am
Jesús Sánchez (pictured) and Nathan Lukes are jockeying for at-bats in left field for Toronto. Plus, more fallout from the first weekend of action in 2026.
Mar 31 2026 3:05am
This week's NL West column answers the lineup questions we posed at the beginning of spring training.
Mar 28 2026 3:05am

Tools