2017 Dodgers review: Darin Ruf

Darin Ruf didn’t play for the Dodgers in 2017, but he did spend a little over three months on the club’s 40-man roster.

Coming

Ruf was acquired from the Phillies on Nov. 11, 2016 along with Darnell Sweeney for Howie Kendrick, who fell out of favor in Los Angeles.

Ruf was with the team long enough to take part in the community caravan in January.

Photo credit: Jill Weisleder | LA Dodgers

Going

Ruf heading into 2017 was two weeks shy of qualifying for Super Two status, which would have given him a raise through salary arbitration. He found a better deal in Korea, signing with the Samsung Lions for $1.1 million after the Dodgers sold his rights on Feb. 18.

The first baseman and outfielder, though he hit .299/.379/.542 against left-handers in his career, didn’t have much roster flexibility, as he was limited defensively to the corners and was out of minor league options.

Ruf flourished with Samsung, hitting 31 home runs in 134 games.

2017 particulars

Age: 30

Stats: .315/.396/.569, 31 HR, 38 doubles, 124 RBI in KBO

Salary: $1.1 million

Game of the year

Ruf went 5-for-5 with a home run and 6 RBI on Sept. 12 for Samsung.

Roster status

Ruf re-signed with Samsung for $1.5 million in 2018.