Reds fans learning what Pirates already knew about Ke’Bryan Hayes

Ke'Bryan Hayes has been out of the Cincinnati Reds starting lineup the past two days, and on Thursday, fans found out why. According to Reds manager Terry Francona, Hayes has been dealing with a back issue, something that plagued the Gold Glover during his time with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The Reds traded for Hayes at the July 31 trade deadline, shipping left-handed pitcher Taylor Rogers and shortstop prospect Sammy Stafura to the Pirates in exchange for the slick-fielding third baseman.

Though Hayes' bat has always been a question mark, he's fared quite well since coming over from Pittsburgh. Hayes had a .254/.327/.381 slash line in 42 games with the Reds, which is more than adequate for a player whose glove is absolutely elite.

Reds fans learning what Pirates already knew about Ke’Bryan Hayes

One of the biggest concerns, however, when Hayes came over from Pittsburgh was his injury history. More specifically, a chronic lower back issue that limited him to just 97 games in 2024. During the 2024-25 offseason, Hayes had to strengthen his core muscles (thereby taking the pressure off his back), and reportedly had to reteach himself how to do simple tasks like sitting down inside a car and even standing upright.

The Reds took on Hayes, and the remainder of his multi-year contract, knowing the risk. It now appears, however, that Hayes' chronic back issue could be flaring up and it couldn't have come at a worse time. Cincinnati is just two games back in the chase for the final NL Wild Card spot and need all hands on deck.

Hayes was replaced in the lineup by rookie infielder Sal Stewart. Most of Stewart's big-league starts have come at first base, but his natural position is at the hot corner. Though Stewart doesn't have the same defensive skillset of Hayes, keeping his bat in the lineup should be a priority for the Reds with just 10 games left in the season. Spencer Steer will be playing first base on Thursday when the Reds begin their four-game series against the Chicago Cubs.

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