After a kidney infection, Austin Hays is getting closer to playing again for the Philadelphia Phillies, who will make the playoffs.
Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Austin Hays is close to returning to the team after being on the injured list due to a kidney infection. He will begin a two-game rehab stint with Triple-A Lehigh Valley, serving as the designated hitter on Saturday and playing left field in the IronPigs’ season finale on Sunday, September 22. After a recovery day on Monday, September 23, Hays is expected to be activated for the second game of the Phillies’ series against the Chicago Cubs on September 25.
Hays’ recovery comes at a pivotal time for Philadelphia. If the Phillies secure a first-round bye in the postseason, their National League Division Series won’t start until October 5, allowing Hays extra time to regain his form before the playoffs.
Reflecting on his recent injury, Hays shared that the kidney infection had been affecting him for weeks prior to his stint on the injured list. He was sidelined on Thursday, September 5, but believes the infection had been impacting his performance long before that.
“I’ve been in the big leagues for five, six years, and I know the difference between normal fatigue and something more severe,” Hays said. “I’d been feeling drained for weeks, especially after injuring my hamstring in early August. My recovery didn’t feel right, and it wasn’t until September that the severity of the infection became clear. Now, I feel back to 100 percent.”
Austin Hays’ platoon potential raises questions for Phillies’ postseason
The Phillies are closely monitoring Austin Hays’ progress as they head into the final stretch of the regular season. Before his injury, Hays was named the everyday left fielder by manager Rob Thomson. However, with his missed time and notable platoon splits—posting a .940 OPS against left-handed pitchers and a .556 OPS against right-handers—questions arise about his postseason usage.
Thomson has not yet disclosed specific plans for Hays upon his return, but it’s likely he could find himself in a platoon role in left field during critical playoff matchups. Hays’ comeback will add depth to the Phillies’ roster, but his performance in the remaining regular-season games will influence how prominently he features in their playoff strategy.
If Hays can quickly regain his pre-injury form, his offensive capabilities against left-handed pitching could be a significant advantage for Philadelphia as they aim for a deep playoff run. The potential for a first-round bye would give him extra time to ease back into the lineup, ensuring he’s fully prepared for the start of the NLDS.
As the Phillies focus on clinching a first-round bye, they will be closely evaluating Hays’ performance during his rehab stint with Lehigh Valley. His health and form will be crucial in shaping the team’s postseason plans.
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