Ex-MLB Star Darin Ruf Sues Reds Over Career-Ending Tarp Roller Injury

In a twist that could only happen in baseball, former Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Darin Ruf is suing the Cincinnati Reds over a career-ending injury that reads like a plot from a sports tragedy. On June 2, 2023, during a game against the Reds, Ruf’s chase for a foul pop-up ended in disaster when his knee smashed into an unpadded metal tarp roller. The result? A lacerated knee, a fractured patella, and, as Ruf’s lawsuit claims, permanent deformities that forced him out of the majors for good.

The incident, which happened in the third inning, was no minor mishap. Ruf limped off the field, aided by a trainer, never to return to MLB action. His complaint paints a grim picture: the tarp roller’s sharp metal edge had no protective padding, a hazard described on the game’s broadcast as a 'significant hunk of metal' that offered no give. Ruf, now 38, called it a preventable tragedy, stating, 'Players shouldn’t have to dodge hidden dangers on a major league field.'

Ruf’s attorney, Tad Thomas, didn’t mince words either: 'This was an obvious and avoidable risk. Basic safety protocols should’ve been followed.' The Reds, for their part, have stayed silent so far. This case echoes a 2017 incident where Dustin Fowler, in his MLB debut with the Yankees, crashed into an electrical box in Chicago, leading to a similar negligence lawsuit against the White Sox.

Ruf’s 11-year career spanned the Phillies, Giants, Mets, and Brewers, with a .239 batting average and 67 homers. His final season saw him play just 20 games before the injury cut his journey short. This lawsuit isn’t just about one player—it’s a wake-up call for MLB to prioritize field safety over outdated equipment.