Reds Injury Update: Austin Hays improving, Jeimer Candelario rehab, Cam Collier

To say that injuries have been problematic for the Cincinnati Reds this season would be an understatement. Cincinnati is currently without Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Noelvi Marte, and Rhett Lowder. No one on the Reds roster, however, has had worse injury luck than Austin Hays.

The Reds outfielder is now on the injured list for the third time this season. Calf and hamstring injuries halted Hays earlier this season, and now he's dealing with a foot contusion. When Hays is in the Reds lineup, good things happen. Unfortunately, when the former All-Star is on the IL, Cincinnati's offense seems to grind to a standstill.

Thankfully, it sounds as if Hays' latest stint on the IL will be an abbreviated one. According to Reds manager Terry Francona, Hays is improving. The Reds skipper told Cincinnati reporter Charlie Goldsmith that there was a "pretty big difference between Day 2 and Day 3." Hays can return from the IL as early as this weekend.

Reds slugger Austin Hays is improving and Jeimer Candelario is set to begin a rehab assignment

In addition to the update on Hays, the Reds received some positive news on the injury-front regarding third baseman Jeimer Candelario. Last year's prized free agent signing has been sidelined with a back injury, but Candelario will begin a rehab assignment at the Arizona Complex League this week.

The Reds then plan to move Candelario's rehab to Triple-A Louisville. Once the infielder proves that he's back in a groove, Reds fans should expect to see Candelario activated from the IL. He's been out of action since April 28, and while Candelario has certainly struggled, this Reds' lineup can use any help it can get at the moment.

Reds prospect Cam Collier appears ready for the next step in his rehab

Reds' top prospect Cam Collier suffered a significant injury during spring training. The former first-round draft pick required surgery on his left thumb after suffering a torn ligament this past March. Collier required adequate time for the injury to heal, but has been back on the field at the team's complex in Arizona.

Based on the numbers, it's time for Collier to rejoin his draft mate Sal Stewart at Double-A Chattanooga. Collier has now appeared in nine games at the Arizona Complex League and is hitting .400/.514/.600. Over the past week, Collier owns a .529/.636/.824 slash line with three extra-base hits and a 268 wRC+. Reds fans can expect to see Collier promoted to the Chattanooga Lookouts soon; perhaps as early as this week.

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