WATCH: Darin Ruf Hits RBI Double in First At Bat in Return to Giants

After a short stint in New York, designated hitter Darin Ruf made his return to the San Francisco Giants Wednesday night at Oracle Park. Facing Los Angeles Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw in his first at bat in his return to the Giants, Ruf smashed a ball into the left-center power alley, scoring Michael Conforto to put the Giants up 2-0 on the Dodgers in the bottom of the first inning.

After a short stint in New York, designated hitter Darin Ruf made his return to the San Francisco Giants Wednesday night at Oracle Park.

Facing Los Angeles Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw in his first at bat in his return to the Giants, Ruf smashed a ball into the left-center power alley, scoring Michael Conforto to put the Giants up 2-0 on the Dodgers in the bottom of the first inning.

The Giants, however, would go on to lose 10-5 in the first game of their four-game series against the Dodgers. Ruf's return was a highlight in the loss, however.

“Obviously the feel-good moment of the night for our side,” manager Gabe Kapler said. “He’s had a tough go up until today. I think there were feelings of relief from him. I think people were really happy for him. He’s as well liked as anybody we’ve had here over the last couple of years. He’s performed really well for our team.”

Ruf began his career in Philadelphia, before playing three seasons in the KBO League in Korea. Ruf excelled in his first two seasons with the Giants, slashing .272/.381/.900 between 2020 and 2021. The Giants dealt Ruf to the New York Mets last August, in exchange for J.D. Davis, Carson Seymour, Thomas Szapucki and Nick Zwack.

Ruf struggled in his short time with the Mets, slashing just .152/.216/.413 with an OPS+ of 20. The Mets designated Ruf for assignment days before Opening Day. Last week, Ruf signed a minor league deal to return to the Giants, and Tuesday he was brought up to the Giants' big league roster, receiving a start at DH.

“The hugs I got to give today were a lot better than the hugs I got to give back in August,” Ruf said. “It was great to see everybody.”

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