Austin Hays DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Cincinnati Reds outfielder Austin Hays (foot) said his bruised left foot isn't any better after taking the last two days off from baseball activities, and now he'll shut things down for a few more days before easing back into running if the pain subsides enough. For now, the 29-year-old doesn't have any testing scheduled. The good news is that Hays doesn't have any structural damage to his foot, but he hasn't played since May 28 and will need to ramp up again once he resumes running before potentially going on a minor-league rehab assignment. He has been on the injured list multiple times already in 2025, and while Hays has hit a nice .303/.346/.555 with a .901 OPS in his 119 at-bats when available for the Reds, there's a chance we might not see him again until after the All-Star break. Will Benson and Spencer Steer have been platooning in left field with Hays out.

Cincinnati Reds outfielder Austin Hays (foot) had another MRI exam on Wednesday morning because of persistent pain in his left food, according to The Cincinnati Enquirer's Gordon Wittenmyer. The good news is that the MRI still showed no fracture in his foot, and he's been diagnosed with a deep bone bruise. The 29-year-old will be re-evaluated on Friday. Hays has served as the team's regular left fielder this year when he's been healthy, but the problem is he's already been on the injured list several times and doesn't appear close to a return to the big leagues. The former third-rounder by the Baltimore Orioles in 2016 has slashed .303/.346/.555 with a .901 OPS, six home runs, 25 RBI, 23 runs and two steals in his 119 at-bats. In the month of June with Hays on the IL, the Reds have mostly used a combination of Will Benson and Spencer Steer in left field.

The Cincinnati Enquirer's Gordon Wittenmyer reports that Cincinnati Reds outfielder Austin Hays (foot) is eyeing a possible return from the 10-day injured list by the end of the series this week against the Cleveland Guardians that runs from Monday through Wednesday. Hays is on the IL with a left-foot contusion but ditched his walking boot last week and apparently will rejoin the big-league roster without going on a minor-league rehab assignment. The 29-year-old is very injury-prone and has already been on the IL multiple times in 2025, but when healthy, he's seen regular playing time in left field for Cincy and has swung the bat well. In 119 at-bats this year, the former third-rounder by the Baltimore Orioles in 2016 has hit .303 with six home runs, 25 RBI, 23 runs scored and two steals. If he's available on your league's waiver wire, scoop him up now.