Darrin Luff seems to have unresolved issues with the Cincinnati Reds.
At 38 years old, he’s taking legal action against the team due to an injury that ended his career. This incident occurred when he crashed into a tarp roller at Great American Ballpark in 2023.
The lawsuit points fingers at the Reds, claiming they neglected to ensure safe conditions outdoors.
Luff was playing for the Brewers during a game on June 2, 2023, when he fractured his kneecap after colliding with the tarp roller while chasing a foul ball.
“This shouldn’t have happened,” Luff remarked. “I hope this doesn’t happen again. Players shouldn’t have to contend with concealed hazards on the field.”
The legal filing emphasizes that Luff endured “permanent and substantial deformation” to his knee, highlighting that the tarp rollers lack protective cushioning and are made of sharp metal.
Due to his injury, Luff ended up on the 60-day injured list and never returned to Major League Baseball.
“This was a clear and preventable risk,” his lawyer, Tad Thomas, stated in a release regarding the case. “Every MLB team should adhere to basic safety protocols. Leaving uncovered metal rollers by the field is unacceptable.”
The lawsuit is seeking both punitive and compensatory damages, asserting that the Reds failed to take necessary precautions, thereby demonstrating irresponsible behavior by their ground crew.
Luff has had a nine-season career in MLB and played in the KBO for three years from 2017 to 2019.
The Giants traded Luff to the Mets at the trade deadline during the 2022 season.
His time with New York was largely disappointing, as he only managed a .152 batting average with a .413 OPS over 28 games.
After his brief stint with the Mets, Luff opened up about the treatment he received from fans.
“When you’re struggling, fans can be harsh, and it’s intensified in New York,” Luff told Athletic in April 2023. “The media seems to echo what fans feel, creating pressure from both sides.”
“Even if you’re not overly active on social media, you’re still aware of the conversations happening around you.”
