Many Mets fans weren't too happy to see Darin Ruf penciled in the lineup for a do-or-die game on Saturday night, especially given Ruf's struggles since being traded to New York.
Asked about the decision to have Ruf DH against the Padres in game two of the Wild Card Series, Buck Showalter told reporters that he went with track records, as Ruf is 3-for-7 with three walks and a home run against San Diego lefty Blake Snell, and has an .815 OPS against the Padres, a team he is familiar with after spending two and a half seasons with the division rival Giants.
Showalter also noted that starting Ruf over Francisco Alvarez means that Alvarez can come in to catch if the Mets use a pinch hitter later in the game, opening up more options to manage in the later innings.
"Two good choices," Showalter said. "The front office have done a great job all year and in the offseason providing us options. A little history there, I like the flexibility it gives us with the catchers."
Ruf is batting eighth, in front of catcher Tomas Nido, and in front of Eduardo Escobar.
Follow Ryan Chichester on Twitter: @ryanchichester1
Follow WFAN on Social Media
Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Twitch
Listen live to WFAN:
Audacy App | Online Stream | Smart Speaker (just say 'Play W-F-A-N')
