Reds Make Austin Hays Announcement Ahead of Padres Series

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt Graves | Last updated Jun 27, 2025 4:47 PM ET

After two minor-league rehab games this week, the Cincinnati Reds will have outfielder Austin Hays return from the 10-day injured list for the start of a three-game weekend series against the San Diego Padres.

As reported by Charlie Goldsmith of FOX19, Hays made two rehab starts for Double-A Chattanooga ahead of the Reds' off day Thursday. On Tuesday, he went 1-for-4 with a walk and a run scored as the designated hitter. He followed that up Wednesday by playing six innings in left field, collecting a single in three at-bats.

Hays has been sidelined since May 29 with a left foot contusion. He'll return to the Reds' lineup Friday, batting fourth and serving as the DH.

Despite being limited by three different IL stints this season, Hays has been productive when healthy. He's slashing .303/.346/.355 with six home runs and 25 RBIs in 31 games. His current 139 OPS+ is well above his career average of 108.

Hays signed a one-year, $5 million contract as a free agent in the offseason.

In a corresponding move, the Reds placed Jake Fraley on the 10-day IL due to a shoulder injury. Fraley missed the past few games as he wad dealing with a shoulder strain.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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