Photo Courtesy Penn Shelley
It is happening. Darin Ruf will be added to the Phillies roster in time for the Monday matchup at home against the Miami Marlins, the Phillies annoyed during their broadcast Sunday evening. After AA Reading was eliminated from the playoffs with a 5-4 loss to the Trenton Thunder, Ruf was free to join the big club. Ruf homered in the R-Phils playoff finale.
In this morning's Philadelphia Inquirer, Bob Brookover writes that Phillies manager Charlie Manuel would find playing time for Ruf:
"Yeah, we'd find a place for him if he hit the ball. They found a place for Killebrew. They found a place for Babe Ruth."
Manuel does not need much convincing that Ruf can hit the ball. Ruf batted .317 for Reading with 38 home runs on his way to being Eastern League MVP and Eastern League Rookie of the Year.
The Phillies must make a roster move to accommodate Ruf on the 40-man roster. The move should be easy enough; Michael Stutes could be moved to the 60-day disabled list. If the Phillies wish to add another player, Brian Schneider could also be moved.
Ruf will wear number 18. How many "Ruf Riders" fan groups will there be at Citizens Bank Park tomorrow?
