Key offseason pickup could reshape Reds lineup after taking pivotal step forward

The Cincinnati Reds got a bit of good news during their off-day on Thursday. Outfielder Austin Hays will be headed to Triple-A Louisville for a rehab assignment. One of the Reds' key offseason additions, Hays had been sidelined since the end of March with a calf injury.

Hays will likely remain in the Derby City through Sunday, and if all systems are "go", the Cincinnati faithful should expect to see Hays make his Reds' debut next week during the team's series against the Seattle Mariners.

Hays was arguably Cincinnati's most important free agent addition. Though he only signed a one-year deal worth $4 million, the Reds desperately needed outfield help. Cincinnati is hopeful that Hays can mimic his 2023 campaign that saw him represent the Baltimore Orioles in the All-Star Game. Hays hit .275/.325/.444 with 16 home runs that season.

Austin Hays could reshape Reds lineup after taking pivotal step forward

Hays was unable to maintain that same level of production in 2024. He was traded from the Orioles to the Philadelphia Phillies last July, but a hamstring injury and a wicked kidney infection limited him to just 22 games. Hays only hit .256/.275/.396 after the trade and became a free agent this past offseason.

The Reds are hoping that Hays can inject some life into a rather anemic offense. Terry Francona's lineup, which is also without Matt McLain and Tyler Stephenson, has been abysmal through the first two weeks of the 2025 season. With Hays targeting a return to the active roster next week, perhaps things will begin to turn around.

Without McLain in the lineup, Francona has resorted to batting Santiago Espinal second; a puzzling move that's certainly raised the ire of some Reds fans. Having Hays back in the lineup should provide a bit more pop, and though he's not your prototypical clean-up hitter, that's where the Reds' skipper had planned to slot him prior to the injury.

With Hays, McLain, Andrew Abbott, and Tyler Stephenson all making progress toward a return to the active roster, the Reds will have some important decisions to make in the coming days. Carson Spiers has already been optioned back to the minors, and others will soon follow.

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