Austin Hays is nearing his return to the playoff-bound Philadelphia Phillies after being sidelined with a kidney infection. The outfielder will begin a two-game rehab assignment with Triple-A Lehigh Valley, where he will serve as the designated hitter on Saturday and play left field in the IronPigs’ season finale on Sunday, September 22. After a recovery day on September 23, he 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 the Phillies. If they secure a first-round bye in the playoffs, their National League Division Series won’t start until October 5, giving Hays more time to regain his form.
Hays revealed that the kidney infection had been affecting him for weeks prior to his placement on the injured list. He was officially sidelined on September 5 but noted that the infection had been impacting his performance long before that.
“I’ve been in the big leagues for five or six years, and I know the difference between normal fatigue and something more serious,” Hays said. “I felt drained for weeks, especially after my hamstring injury in early August. My recovery felt off, and it wasn’t until September that the severity of the infection became evident. Now, I feel back to 100 percent.”
Austin Hays’ platoon potential raises questions for Phillies’ postseason
Before his injury, he had been the regular left fielder as designated by manager Rob Thomson. However, given his missed time and notable platoon splits—recording a .940 OPS against left-handers and a .556 OPS against right-handers—there are uncertainties regarding his usage in the playoffs.
Thomson hasn’t detailed Hays’ specific role upon his return, but it’s possible he will be utilized in a platoon in left field, particularly in critical postseason games. Hays’ comeback will bolster the Phillies’ depth, but his performance in the remaining regular-season games will influence how much he contributes to their playoff aspirations.
If Hays can quickly regain his pre-injury form, his offensive production against left-handed pitching could be crucial for Philadelphia as they aim for a deep postseason run. The additional time provided by a potential first-round bye would allow him to gradually reintegrate into the lineup and be fully prepared for the start of the NLDS.
As the Phillies focus on clinching a first-round bye, they will closely monitor Hays’ performance during his rehab stint with Lehigh Valley, as his health and form will significantly impact the team’s postseason strategy.
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