The Phillies designated outfielder Delmon Young for assignment Friday, signaling their belief that Darin Ruf is their best option out there, at least for the near future. Ruf, a converted first baseman, is going to spend the final two months of the season auditioning for a job moving forward.
"This is important for Ruf and [third baseman Cody] Asche and anyone who's getting to play like that, that's probably playing to be on the team or playing for a contract," manager Charlie Manuel told MLB.com Friday. "This is a big time for them. Not only that, it's a great chance. Sometimes you can go in and not get a chance like these guys are going to get."
In 27 games this season, as well as 12 a year ago, Ruf has pretty much proven his bat can play anywhere. In 126 career at-bats, Ruf is hitting .302 with eight home runs and 18 extra-base hits. The question will be finding a long-term home for him, with Ryan Howard still under contract at first base. The team thinks Ruf can learn the position well enough to survive, at least.
"He's not going to be a Gold Glover," general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said. "But what he can bring to the table, we think he can bring to the table for us, warrants getting him as many at-bats as possible, even though we may sacrifice a little bit of defense."