Reds Make Ke'Bryan Hayes Decision After 40 Missed Games

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Reds Make Ke'Bryan Hayes Decision After 40 Missed Games

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nicholas Covone | Last updated Jul 7, 2026 1:29 PM ET

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The Cincinnati Reds revealed an injury update regarding third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes.

Hayes has been on the 10-day injured list for Cincinnati since May 22 with a lumbar bulging disc.

The 29-year-old has been ramping up baseball activities while making lots of positive progress.

He was sent on a minor league rehab assignment with the High-A Dayton Dragons on July 3.

Hayes had one hit in six at bats in High-A.

The Reds revealed on Tuesday that Hayes' rehab assignment has been transferred to Triple-A Louisville.

The two-time Gold Glove Award winner looks to be nearing a return and is likely to be activated soon after the All-Star Break.

The Reds have transferred Ke'Bryan Hayes' rehab assignment from High-A to Triple-A as he continues to make progress.
— Charlie Goldsmith (@CharlieG__) July 7, 2026

The defensive specialist has struggled mightily this year on both sides of the ball.

In 44 games played this season, Hayes is slashing .142/.195/.225, for a .420 OPS, with two home runs, five RBIs and 17 hits.

Hayes normally makes up for his poor offensive with his play at third base, but that also has not been the case this year.

According to Baseball Savant, Hayes has an average Fielding Run Value of one this year. He has zero Outs Above Average this season compared to an elite 21 just a season ago.

Hayes will attempt to get both his bat and defense back on track during his rehab assignment in Louisville.

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

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