It was only six weeks ago that Phillies prospect Darin Ruf lost in his bid for a spot on the opening day roster because of his unpredictability in left field. But the 26-year-old slugger, who was drafted as a first baseman, has become more polished at the position for Triple-A Lehigh Valley to beckon praise from within the organization.
"He's been great, and he's getting better," Lehigh Valley manager Dave Brundage told the Philadelphia Inquirer. "He's good enough right now to play left field. He hasn't been out there that long, and for the strides he has made and the adjustments he has made, he looks so much more comfortable."
In 22 games in left field this season, Ruf has made just one error in 42 chances while also playing eight games at first without a miscue. He has also discovered his groove at the plate, recording four homers and 13 RBI over his past 12 games.