Former Major League Baseball player Darin Ruf has filed a lawsuit against the Cincinnati Reds, claiming negligence resulted in a career-ending injury. The suit, filed in Hamilton County (Ohio) Court of Common Pleas, alleges that Ruf suffered a devastating knee injury after colliding with an unpadded metal tarp roller during a game at Great American Ball Park on June 2, 2023.

The incident occurred during a game between Ruf's then-team, the Milwaukee Brewers, and the Reds. While pursuing a foul pop-up in the third inning, Ruf's knee impacted the exposed end of the tarp roller, resulting in what the lawsuit describes as "permanent and substantial deformities" to his knee. This injury forced Ruf onto the 60-day injured list, effectively ending his Major League Baseball career.

Ruf's attorney, Tad Thomas, states that the lack of protective cushioning or a cap on the metal tarp roller constituted an "obvious and avoidable risk." The lawsuit criticizes the Reds for failing to maintain safe field conditions and accuses the grounds crew of "reckless" conduct. Thomas argues that basic safety protocols were not followed, leading directly to Ruf's injury.

The lawsuit seeks both compensatory and punitive damages. It highlights the Reds' alleged negligence in failing to take reasonable precautions to ensure the safety of players within their stadium. The claim emphasizes that the presence of an unprotected metal roller on the playing field represented a significant and foreseeable hazard.

Darin Ruf, a veteran player with stints with the Philadelphia Phillies, San Francisco Giants, New York Mets, and Brewers, had a notable career before the injury. He compiled a .239 batting average, a .329 on-base percentage, 67 home runs, and 205 RBIs across 582 career games. His promising career was abruptly cut short due to the alleged negligence of the Cincinnati Reds, according to the lawsuit.

The Cincinnati Reds have yet to issue a formal response to the lawsuit. The case raises crucial questions about stadium safety and the responsibilities of Major League Baseball teams to ensure the well-being of players. The outcome of the lawsuit could have significant implications for safety standards across all MLB stadiums and potentially lead to changes in field maintenance protocols.

This developing story will be updated as more information becomes available. The legal battle promises to shed light on the often-overlooked safety aspects of professional baseball and the potential liability of teams for injuries sustained by players during games.