The San Francisco Giants will be without one of their best hitters for the next week or so. On Thursday, ahead of their series finale against the San Diego Padres, the Giants announced that first baseman and outfielder Darin Ruf had been placed on the 10-day Injured List, retroactive to Sept. 20, due to a right oblique strain.
He’ll be replaced on the roster by outfielder Alex Dickerson, who was activated from the IL.
ROSTER MOVES: IF/OF Darin Ruf placed on the 10-day Injured List (retroactive to September 20) with a right oblique strain.
— SFGiants (@SFGiants) September 23, 2021
OF Alex Dickerson returned from his rehab assignment and reinstated from the 10-day Injured List.
Ruf has destroyed the baseball this year, serving as a platoon player and mostly hitting against lefties. His .999 OPS against left-handed pitchers has made him a huge weapon all year, but he’s also been strong against righties as well, with an .820 OPS in 164 plate appearances.
However, with Brandon Belt catching fire, and also hitting well against lefties when given the chance, the Giants should still be in fine position at first base when that side of the platoon comes up.
Dickerson has had a down year after being spectacular in his first two season with the Giants. His .235/.303/.426 slash line has been a bit below league average (95 OPS+, 98 wRC+), but he seemed to be finding his swing in AAA Sacramento earlier this week. Let’s hope he looks improved; if not, he could find himself left off the postseason roster.
If Ruf’s injury lingers, we might not see him again this season. However, if he is able to return to action at the end of the 10 days, he’ll be able to rejoin the team for the final series of the regular season.