Philadelphia Phillies outfielder is nearing his return after being sidelined with a kidney infection. Hays is set to begin a two-game rehab assignment 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 rest day on Monday, September 23, he is expected to be activated for the second game of the Phillies’ series against the Chicago Cubs on September 25.
This timeline is crucial for the Phillies, as a potential first-round postseason bye could give Hays additional time to regain full form before the National League Division Series, which would begin on October 5. Hays revealed that the kidney infection had affected him for weeks before his injured list stint, starting on September 5. He explained that while he had been experiencing fatigue since injuring his hamstring in early August, it wasn’t until September that the severity of the infection was clear. Now, Hays says he feels fully recovered.
Before his injury, Hays had secured the role of everyday left fielder under manager Rob Thomson. However, with his time away and his significant platoon splits — a .940 OPS against left-handed pitchers versus a .556 OPS against right-handers — questions remain about how he will be utilized in the postseason. The Phillies are carefully monitoring his progress as they head into the final stretch of the regular season.
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