Omaha native Ruf shipped to Mets in deadline deal

OMAHA – A Nebraska native was part of a Major League Baseball trade deadline deal on Tuesday.

Omaha native Darin Ruf, who played for Westside High School and Creighton University, was shipped from the San Francisco Giants to the New York Mets.

The 36-year-old can play first base and corner outfield, though he’s expected to primarily serve as a designated hitter for the Mets.

New York is currently at the top of the National League East standings. The Mets gave up J.D. Davis and other prospects to acquire Ruf.

Ruf is currently batting .216 with 11 home runs this season. He has 67 career home runs in eight MLB seasons. He was originally drafted by the Phillies in 2009 after a four-year career with Creighton. He made his Major League debut in 2012 for Philadelphia. He has also played three seasons for the Samsung Lions in the KBO League in South Korea.