Ke'Bryan Hayes is quietly showing the Reds something they've waited for

It's going to take a lot more than a handful of impactful outings in the minor leagues for Ke'Bryan Hayes to return to the good graces of Reds Country, but the first few games of his rehab assignment have gone better than expected.

Hayes has been sidelined since May 22 with a bulging disc in his back. The Cincinnati Reds third baseman has a history of chronic back issues, but many fans were assuming this may have been more of a "phantom IL stint" than an actual injury.

Hayes was off to a dreadful start to begin the year. He was hitting just .142/.195/.225 with only five extra-base hits through 44 games. While Hayes has never been known to possess elite offensive skills, that type of slash line is inexcusable.

Hayes needed a reset, and appears that his trip to the IL has provided just that. The two-time Gold Glove Award-winner was given time to recover from his lumbar injury, and before heading out on his rehab assignment, he spent some time at the team's facility in Goodyear, Arizona.

FOX19 contributor Charlie Goldsmith reported a couple weeks ago that Hayes' rehab involved a core stabilization program and some swing adjustments. So far, it appears that those modifications have helped.

Ke'Bryan Hayes' rehab is giving Reds fans reason to believe

Hayes began a rehab assignment with the Dayton Dragons last week. He spent two games with the Reds' High-A affiliate and went just 1-for-6 with a single. He rejoined the team in Cincinnati for two days before heading to Triple-A Louisville this past Tuesday to continue his rehab assignment.

Hayes slashed a double during his first at-bat with the Louisville Bats on Tuesday, and then went 4-for-5 on Wednesday with a home run and another double. Hayes' homer left the bat at 105 mph and traveled 412 feet. Both of his doubles also had an exit velocity over 100 mph.

It's much too early to get excited. Hayes is facing Triple-A pitching, and the game is much different when you put on the big league uniform. But the Reds' coaches (and fanbase) have to like what they've seen so far. The question becomes, can he keep it going? And furthermore, can he do it against Major League-caliber pitching?

Reds fans know that Hayes is a glove-first third baseman who's probably going to save more runs than he drives in. But there's a difference between being a below-average hitter — which he's been throughout most of his career — and being an automatic out.

The Reds could certainly use Hayes' glove back on the field. Eugenio Suárez (-5 DRS and -5 OAA) has been a below-average replacement at the hot corner. While Sal Stewart has been good enough when playing third base, it would seem that his future is at first.

Reds manager Terry Francona hasn't set a timetable for Hayes' return, but after beginning his rehab assignment on July 3, he technically would have to be activated by July 23. Even if he keeps putting up good numbers down in the minor leagues, don't expect Cincinnati to activate him from the IL until they absolutely have to.

There's reasons to be optimistic about Hayes' return from the IL, but fans should temper their expectations. Two months of rehab and adjustments aren't going to turn him into Babe Ruth, but is a .700 OPS too much to ask?

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