New York Mets Designate Darin Ruf for Assignment

The Darin Ruf experiment has officially come to an end. 

On Monday morning, the Mets announced that they've designated Ruf for assignment. 

As a result, outfielder Tim Locastro has made the Mets and will get the final bench spot on the roster.

After acquiring Ruf from the San Francisco Giants at the trade deadline in exchange for four players, including J.D. Davis and Thomas Szapucki, the 36-year-old struggled immensely. In 28 games, Ruf slashed .152/.216/.197 with no home runs and three doubles.

In Spring Training, Ruf's struggles continued, as he batted under .200. He also dealt with wrist arthritis, which required a cortisone injection.

Ruf is owed $3 million in 2023, and if the Mets don't trade him they will be on the hook for his salary. 

With Ruf out, the Mets need a right-handed DH that hits against left-handed pitching. The candidates could be Eduardo Escobar, which would mean Luis Guillorme plays third base against lefty pitching, or fourth outfielder Tommy Pham. Last season, Pham slashed .273/.338/.446 against southpaws.