In December the Los Angeles Dodgers were said to have tendered contracts to six arbitration-eligible players: Luis Avilan, Josh Fields, Yasmani Grandal, Vidal Nuno, Darin Ruf and Alex Wood. Prior to that point the Dodgers agreed to one-year contracts with Charlie Culberson, Chris Hatcher and Scott Van Slyke.
Of that trio, Hatcher and Van Slyke were again eligible for salary arbitration. Players can officially file for arbitration on Jan. 10, with the exchange of salaries taking place on three days later.
Although Ruf was reported among the group of players tendered a contract, he does not qualify for salary arbitration. As noted by Eric Stephen of True Blue LA, the 30-year-old first baseman/outfielder is a “Super Two,” but did not meet the requisite service time during the 2016 season.
The collective bargaining agreement mandates Super Two players must tally at least 86 days (equal to one-half season) of service time in the season immediately prior to filing for salary arbitration; Ruf spent 72 days with the Philadelphia Phillies.
He joined the Dodgers, along with Darnell Sweeney returning to the organization, in the November trade that sent Howie Kendrick to the Phillies. Ruf batted .205/.236/.337 with two doubles, three home runs and nine RBI in 43 Major League games (17 starts) last season.
He hit .294/.356/.529 with 20 home runs and 65 RBI in 95 games with Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Ruf has appeared in 139 games (92 starts) at first base, one game at third base, 76 games (64 starts) in left field and 29 games (27 starts) in right field during his Major League career.
