18 Darin Ruf, LF

The Phillies had an open roster spot with Chase Utley on the disabled list Thursday, but a poorly timed slump cost Darin Ruf a chance to get back to the majors. Ruf is hitting .103 over the last seven games heading into play Friday.

The fact that Ruf can only play in the outfield or first base also hurt his chances.

"I think the better fit was someone who could play all over the field," assistant GM Scott Proefrock told the Philadelphia Inquirer. "We’ve got two (interleague) games. It would be hard to find (Ruf) a place to play, and it probably wouldn’t be the right fit."

Ruf has a .772 on-base plus slugging percent at Triple-A Lehigh Valley, with a .262 batting average, a career-worst mark. 

The Phillies' struggles offensively have been well-documented and Ruben Amaro Jr. told The Philadelphia Inquirer Tuesday he's looked into ways to improve the lineup. However, he said he doesn't feel Darin Ruf, who was competing for a starting job in the outfield, is the solution to bolster a struggling lineup.

"(Darin) Ruf has done well, although he’s coming off a little bit of a slump lately," Amaro said. "Ruf has done OK, but he still needs work in the outfield. While he’s done OK offensively, I’m not sure he’s better than the options we have."

Although, Amaro said Ruf is probably the top option at first base in case something long-term happens to Ryan Howard, who is battling a knee injury.

"I would think so. He’s played first base about twice a week, so we know he can do that," Amaro said.

It was only six weeks ago that Phillies prospect Darin Ruf lost in his bid for a spot on the opening day roster because of his unpredictability in left field. But the 26-year-old slugger, who was drafted as a first baseman, has become more polished at the position for Triple-A Lehigh Valley to beckon praise from within the organization.

"He's been great, and he's getting better," Lehigh Valley manager Dave Brundage told the Philadelphia Inquirer. "He's good enough right now to play left field. He hasn't been out there that long, and for the strides he has made and the adjustments he has made, he looks so much more comfortable."

In 22 games in left field this season, Ruf has made just one error in 42 chances while also playing eight games at first without a miscue. He has also discovered his groove at the plate, recording four homers and 13 RBI over his past 12 games.