Reds latest injury should force Nick Krall to revisit his biggest offseason blunder

In a story that's all too familiar to Reds Country, Cincinnati has experienced a flurry of injuries over the past few weeks that threaten to derail the team's aspirations for the upcoming season.

Last year, it was injuries to TJ Friedl and Matt McLain, and the suspension of Noelvi Marte that put the Cincinnati Reds behind the eight ball. This year, Andrew Abbott, Tyler Stephenson, and Spencer Steer have all been saddled with injuries that will keep them off the Reds Opening Day roster.

But on Tuesday, it was revealed that Cincinnati could be without starting left field Austin Hays. The Reds' offseason pickup suffered a calf injury and was not in the lineup for Cincinnati's exhibition game at DayAir Ballpark. The right-handed hitting Hays will be reevaluated on Wednesday, and it's not yet known if the former Baltimore Orioles All-Star will be ready in time for Thursday's opener against the San Francisco Giants.

Austin Hays' injury should force the Reds to revisit trade talks with White Sox for Luis Robert Jr.

If Hays is going to miss any amount of time, the Reds would be forced to insert one of Blake Dunn, Jacob Hurtubise, or Stuart Fairchild into the everyday lineup. Cincinnati's outfield was arguably the team's biggest weakness with Hays in the lineup. Without him, the Reds outfield resembles one you might find at several Triple-A ballparks throughout the country.

It's time for Reds President of Baseball Operations Nick Krall to pick up the phone and call Chicago White Sox GM Chris Getz. Krall and Getz got to know each other well over the winter, as the two executives were close to pulling off a trade that would've sent Luis Robert Jr. to Cincinnati in exchange for a prospect-laden package that included Edwin Arroyo.

The Reds balked at the high price tag and eventually settled on signing Hays to a one-year, $4 million deal. With Hays possibly out of action (and even if he isn't), it's time for the Reds to reengage with the White Sox and figure out how to get a deal done.

Robert has his flaws, to be sure, but Cincinnati cannot afford to go into the regular season with their current crop of outfielders. This year's Reds team has a chance to make some noise in the National League. This spring, Robert hit .300/.386/.580 with four home runs and eight RBI, and if healthy, would be a difference maker in the Reds lineup.

It's time for Krall and Reds to stop playing it safe. With Terry Francona at the helm, and a talented group of young stars headlined by Hunter Greene and Elly De La Cruz, it's time for Krall to right a wrong, and make a splash before the season begins.

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