MLB star Darin Ruf accuses Cincinnati Reds of reckless safety failure that ended his career

Retired Major League Baseball player Darin Ruf sued the Cincinnati Reds, just shy of two years ago when he was hurt in a game at Great American Ball Park. Ruf alleges the injury, which resulted when he was trying to catch a foul ball, ruined his professional baseball career. The suit alleges the Reds were negligent in having an exposed metal tarp roller on the field. Ruf is suing for damages and believes players never should have to face unforeseen dangers on the field.


Darin Ruf got injured while pouncing on a foul ball

Two years back during a match, Darin Ruf was chasing after a foul ball. Unfortunately, he scraped the bottom of the rolled-up tarp covering alongside the field.



Video showed blood on the pant leg of Ruf as he hobbled off the field. He was subsequently put on the 60-day injured list after suffering a deep laceration on his knee. He later also confirmed that he had a fractured kneecap. The accident was the end of Ruf's stint in Major League Baseball. He had only played 11 games with the Brewers that year when the accident happened.



Also Read: Why Former MLB Star Darin Ruf Is Suing The Reds Over A Tarp Injury That Ended His Career


Lawsuit sues Reds for negligence and retrospect of Ruf’s career


The lawsuit, filed in Hamilton County, states that the metal tarp roller Ruf collided with had no padding and was an obvious hazard that needed to be covered up or taken away. The suit calls for the Reds and their grounds staff to be held for "reckless" conduct, alleging they did not abide by the fundamental rules of safety.

Cant believe Darin Ruf is 38 now https://t.co/sokFw3sfeJ

— Johnny $coreboards (@jscoreboards) May 23, 2025

This didn't have to occur. "I don't want it to have occurred," Ruf commented in a statement. "Players shouldn’t have to worry about hidden hazards like that on a Major League field."



Ruf's lawyer, Tad Thomas, also had something to say, referring to the roller as a "simplistic safety failure." Thomas reasoned that every MLB team should be smarter than to leave a tough, hazardous object that players will be running on during a game.



Darin Ruf, currently 38, played five years with the Philadelphia Phillies before progressing to the San Francisco Giants and New York Mets. Although not a star, he was famous for his power-hitting skills. The injury occurred while playing for the Milwaukee Brewers briefly, truncating his 2023 season.



The lawsuit now wants total payment for medical bills, career loss, and other harm resulting from the injury. Up to now, the Cincinnati Reds have not given a public statement regarding the issue.