Ruf's pinch blast could lead to more playing time

PHILADELPHIA -- This is supposed to be a season about learning and developing talent, and many Phillies fans would love to learn more about Darin Ruf.

His opportunities have been limited in the past, and it seems he will need to hit to remain in manager Ryne Sandberg's lineup. But after going hitless in his first 11 at-bats this season, he hit a pinch-hit solo home run to left field in the seventh inning Sunday afternoon at Citizens Bank Park. The first pinch-hit homer of his career tied the game in a 4-3 loss in 10 innings to the Nationals.

It was just the Phillies' second home run through six games.

"You want to be the best player you can be in any role you are in," Ruf said. "You play yourself into roles, and that role can change through the course of the year. I'm looking to stay positive and keep working hard."

The Phillies could use Ruf's power. He entered the season having hit .251 with 21 doubles, one triple, 20 home runs, 48 RBIs and an .805 OPS in 447 plate appearances with the Phillies. He was the only Phillies player with 400 or more plate appearances from 2012-15 with a .787 OPS or higher.

Ruf also had an .839 OPS against left-handers, which would seem to make him a strong candidate to platoon in left field or first base.

First baseman Ryan Howard went 0-for-4 with four strikeouts on 15 pitches before Ruf replaced him in the seventh. He ended four innings with strikeouts, leaving runners in scoring position three times.

"All I can say is, tough game," Howard said. "That's all I've got today."

Howard is hitting .150 (3-for-20) with three doubles, one RBI and seven strikeouts, but he is hardly the only Phillies hitter struggling. The team is hitting .214 with just 16 runs through six games.

"Howie is just looking for some consistency," Sandberg said. "He was just a little bit behind the fastball off of [Nationals ace Max] Scherzer. Just didn't connect today. He continues to work at things. Hopefully, Howie can regroup and get on the road. He's going to continue working on it, I know that. He spends a lot of time working at it."

Ruf is working at it, too. The Phillies are looking for people to hit. There should be opportunities for others.

"I think we have a good, solid squad," Ruf said. "We're going to be in a lot of close games."