San Francisco Giants: 3 best DH options for shortened season

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - APRIL 10: Hunter Pence #8 of the San Francisco Giants looks on from the dugout prior to the start of a Major League Baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at AT&T Park on April 10, 2018 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

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MARYVALE, ARIZONA – MARCH 06: Darin Ruf #33 of the San Francisco Giants throws the ball to first base against the Milwaukee Brewers during a spring training game at American Family Fields of Phoenix on March 06, 2020 in Maryvale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /

player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. DH. Darin Ruf. 2. 1B. 40

Late-bloomer Darin Ruf seemed like a near-lock to make the 2020 Giants roster because of his streaky hitting in spring training. Before it all came to a sudden halt due to the COVID-19 outbreak, Ruf slashed a line of .429/.469/.1000 along with three home runs in 28 spring training at-bats.

His performances were far from a surprise for the front office. He returned to the United States on a minor league contract with San Francisco after spending three seasons in the KBO League. While there, he emerged as a household name within the league. Ruf racked up 86 home runs and 350 RBI along with a formidable .313 batting average in his tenure with the Samsung Lions.

If Ruf does indeed make the roster, Kapler will not only utilize him as a DH option but also in other positions as well. During spring training, Ruf showed off his versatility by taking reps at first base, left field and right field. But at the end of the day, it is his power production at the plate that will earn him more at-bats over the 60-game season.

At age 33, it could be a real possibility to see Ruf end up taking hold of the DH role while also supplying the Giants with a much-needed bat that can get on base at an above average rate.

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