He's back.
Mets DH Darin Ruf is scheduled to make his Grapefruit League debut on Tuesday night against the Houston Astros. Ruf is batting fifth and starting at first base.
Ruf has not appeared in any exhibition games to this date due to a wrist issue. It was revealed that Ruf has arthritis in his wrist, which required a cortisone shot.
Now that he is able to play in games, Ruf should receive ample opportunities in Spring Training since Pete Alonso left for the World Baseball Classic on Monday. Ruf is battling for a spot on the Opening Day roster as the righty DH that will face left-handed pitching. Daniel Vogelbach serves in the other half of this platoon against right-handed pitching.
The Mets acquired Ruf at last year's trade deadline in a deal with the San Francisco Giants. The 36-year-old had a rough go as a Met, batting .152 with a .413 OPS in 28 games. He is hoping to bounce-back in his second go-around with New York.
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