The Cincinnati Reds received some encouraging news on Thursday as Austin Hays was assigned to Triple-A Louisville for a rehab stint following a low-grade left calf strain he sustained at the end of spring training. While Hays is expected to recover quickly, he may spend a few more days in Louisville to get some at-bats before being activated from the 10-day injured list. With Gavin Lux stepping into the Reds’ primary second baseman role after Matt McLain’s injury, Hays could soon have a regular spot in left field once he is cleared to return to Cincinnati.
Hays, a key offseason acquisition for the Reds, made a strong impression during spring training, hitting .310 with 14 RBIs, including two doubles, two triples, and three home runs. His performance was especially significant after a 2024 season plagued by injuries while playing for the Baltimore Orioles and Philadelphia Phillies. A healthy spring has given the Reds hope for a more productive and injury-free 2025 season for Hays.
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The Reds’ offense, however, has struggled significantly without Hays. As a team, they are hitting just .206/.267/.329 with a wRC+ of 63, the lowest in Major League Baseball. Aside from a few offensive explosions, the Reds have averaged only 1.75 runs per game. These offensive issues have overshadowed solid pitching, as the Reds’ staff ranks fourth in ERA (3.15) and seventh in FIP (3.52). The rotation has been particularly impressive, sitting third in both ERA (2.81) and FIP (2.85).
Meanwhile, the bullpen, especially with closer Alexis Díaz sidelined by a hamstring strain, has been shaky, posting a 3.86 ERA and 4.91 FIP. Despite this, the team’s offensive struggles have taken center stage. With the Reds returning to Great American Ball Park with a 5-8 record, recent tough losses—like Wednesday’s 8-6 defeat after blowing a 6-1 lead—serve as a stark reminder of the need for offensive improvement.
