Reds Injury Update: Austin Hays X-rays, Noelvi Marte MRI, Tejay Antone eyes return

The Cincinnati Reds lost the series finale to the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday night, and may have lost one of their best players in the process. Austin Hays fouled a pitch off his foot during sixth inning, and though he was able to stay in the game and eventually score, the Reds outfielder was lifted in favor of Gavin Lux during the eighth inning.

Hays was diagnosed with a foot contusion, but manager Terry Francona revealed after the game that X-rays were inconclusive. Francona said that Hays will receive advanced imaging on Thursday morning, the results of which could greatly dictate Cincinnati's decision making going forward.

The last thing Cincinnati needs is another injury to one of their key players. Hays has already been on the IL twice this season — once with a calf injury and the other time with a hamstring strain. In his last 15 games, Hays is hitting .276/.302/.483 and has been a difference-maker behind Elly De La Cruz in the Reds lineup.

Austin Hays X-rays are inconclusive, but Reds get positive update on Noelvi Marte

While Hays' injury is shrouded in mystery, the Reds did get a bit of clarity when it comes to Noelvi Marte's next steps. The third baseman has been out of action for several weeks after suffering an oblique injury, but FanDuel Sports Network's Jim Day provided a positive update on Marte during Wednesday night's broadcast.

Marte's MRI revealed that he's making progress and the former top prospect can now begin performing "rotational" activities. What those activities might include is unclear, but one can assume it's a step in the right direction. Cincinnati's offense has been ailing without Marte in the lineup. At the time of his injury, Marte owned an .857 OPS with three home runs and 17 RBI.

Reds pitcher Tejay Antone posts update on social media

Tejay Antone is back on the mound! The Reds pitcher, who underwent a third elbow surgery last season, posted a video to social media with the caption, "What the people came to see. First time off a mound in over a year. Big step in the right direction. Praise God." In the video, Antone can be seen throwing off a mound at the team's training facility in Arizona.

Antone has not been on a major league mound since April 7, 2024. He made four appearances for the Reds last season, logging two innings and striking out two batters while walking four. The right-hander would love nothing more than to step back onto the mound at Great American Ball Park at some point this season, but he still has a long way to go. This is, however, a great first step toward achieving his goal.

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