Darin Ruf Returns to Phillies

The Phillies recalled 1B/OF Darin Ruf after hitting He's hit .261 with one homer in 12 minor league games this season from Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

Ruf missed the start of the season after an oblique injury suffered during spring training.  Ruf is now fully healed from his spring oblique strain, but the Phillies want him to get more at-bats against minor league competition - but the team had a roster spot open up with Cliff Lee heading to the disabled list with a elbow strain.

He could end up being a valuable player, giving the Phils an option at first base and the corner outfield spots against left-handed pitching.   He also adds a power right-handed bat off-the-bench, something they have been lacking through 43 games this season.

A couple of questions for Ryne Sandberg with the return of Ruf to the team:  Will he use Ruf at first base versus tough lefties to give Ryan Howard the day off?  Will Sandberg move Byrd to centerfield and use an outfield of Ruf, Byrd and Dom Brown to provide more of an offensive punch?

Ruf is a career 257 hitter with 17 home runs and 40 RBI over just 284 big league at-bats.