Phillies slugger Darin Ruf started at first base Sunday against the Braves in his second game since being recalled Saturday after first baseman Ryan Howard (knee) went on the disabled list. Manager Charlie Manuel said he will use Ruf at first base and in the outfield.
Ruf opened the year in the minors after a disappointing spring training. He hit just .266 with a .408 slugging percentage and seven home runs in 82 games for Triple-A Lehigh Valley, but Ruf said his poor numbers were combination of working on his swing and battling a thumb injury, which he said is 100 percent healed.
"I just put too much pressure on myself or something or other," Ruf said of his spring, per MLB.com. "I just settled in as time went on. It was still early, starting a couple of weeks earlier than I was used to. It took me a little bit longer to get back into the swing of things. I'm happy with the way I finished and the progress I made."