Phillies outfielder Darin Ruf began his minor-league rehab assignment Thursday for Class A Clearwater, as he continues to recover from a left oblique strain.
Ruf went 0 for 3 in the game with a walk and a strikeout, but made it through all nine innings without incident. Manager Ryne Sandberg told MLB.com Thursday he is a candidate to start in right field when he comes off the disabled list, with Marlon Byrd possibly moving to center.