Good news – well, maybe just news: Domonic Brown has been activated and returns to the Phillies’ lineup on Tuesday night for the first time sustaining a concussion on July 23. Due to Dom’s return, Darin Ruf’s reign of terror in left field will now end.
Ruf’s reign of terror in right field on the other hand, that is only just beginning.
The converted first baseman will make his first professional appearance ever in right when the Phils host the Cubs at Citizens Bank Park. Your read that correctly. Ruf has never played right in the minors, not during spring training, and certainly not in the big leagues. Oh, yeah, this can’t possibly go wrong.
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For the 27-year-old’s part, he apparently thought Juan Samuel was kidding when the first base coach broke the news.
Juan Samuel told Darin Ruf he was playing RF. “I thought he was joking,” Ruf said. “I’m not joking,” Samuel said.
— Matt Gelb (@magelb) August 6, 2013
It is a joke, Darin – a cruel joke on Phillies fans. Ruf’s struggles with learning to play outfield have been well documented, and it would seem moving him around out there can’t help matters.
To call it a curious decision by Charlie Manuel would be an understatement. Brown can play right as well, so why the manager wouldn’t put the more seasoned player out there, I don’t know. Maybe he’ll elaborate later.
News
In related news, Laynce Nix has been designated for assignment to make room for Brown, and Triple-A LHP Cesar Jiminez was selected to replace Antonio Bastardo on the roster.