May 5, 2025
Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona said that outfielder
Austin Hays (hamstring) is doing really well in his rehab from a strained left hamstring and could return from the injured list on Friday. As long as Hays doesn't suffer a setback in the next few days, he could skip a minor-league rehab assignment and rejoin the club for their series opener on Friday in Houston against the Astros. Injuries have been the story of the 29-year-old's season so far in 2025, but when he's been on the field, he's been fantasy worthy in all formats, slashing .365/.431/.712 with five long balls, 13 RBI, 15 runs scored and a stolen base in just 13 games played. When Hays is back, expect him to continue playing regularly for Cincy in left field. Until then, rookie
Tyler Callihan and
Blake Dunn should continue to split playing time for the Reds in left field.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: The Cincinnati Enquirer - Charlie Goldsmith
May 2, 2025
The Cincinnati Reds have placed outfielder
Austin Hays (hamstring) on the 10-day injured list, retroactive to April 29. The Reds activated backstop
Tyler Stephenson (oblique) from the injured list in a corresponding move. Hays has already had a stint on the injured list due to a calf strain and will now face his second absence of the young campaign. Despite his early-season injuries, Hays has enjoyed a strong start to the campaign, posting a stellar .365/.431/.712 slash line with three doubles and five home runs. He has tallied 13 RBI, scored 15 runs, and held a 13:6 K:BB. Under the hood, the 29-year-old has generated a .472 xwOBA, which suggests he should continue to enjoy similar production when he returns to the lineup. While he is sidelined, fantasy managers should expect
Tyler Callihan and
Blake Dunn to see more opportunities in the starting nine.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Cincinnati Reds
May 1, 2025
Cincinnati Reds outfielder
Austin Hays (hamstring) remains sidelined for Thursday's series finale against the division-rival St. Louis Cardinals at Great American Ball Park.
Santiago Espinal is starting in left field and will hit fifth against Cardinal left-hander
Matthew Liberatore. Hays injured his left hamstring while running the bases on Monday and will now miss his third straight game as a result. The Reds remain hopeful that the 29-year-old can avoid a trip to the injured list, but that stance could change if he's unable to return during a three-game weekend series against the visiting Washington Nationals. Fantasy managers want Hays back in the lineup as soon as possible, as he's gone 19-for-52 (.365) early on with five homers, 13 RBI and 15 runs scored for the Reds. Espinal is also hitting over .300 in 64 at-bats in 2025 but has yet to homer. He's hitless in just three career at-bats against Liberatore.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
April 30, 2025
Cincinnati Reds outfielder
Austin Hays (hamstring) remains out of the starting lineup for Game 2 of a doubleheader on Wednesday against the division-rival St. Louis Cardinals at Great American Ball Park. It's the third straight game that Hays has been sidelined due to a minor hamstring strain that hopefully won't require a stint on the injured list. If Hays doesn't play in Thursday's series finale against St. Louis, his next chance to play will come in Friday's series opener against the visiting Washington Nationals. If the 29-year-old cannot play by the end of the weekend, an IL stint would probably be likely at that point.
Gavin Lux is starting in left field and batting seventh for Game 2 on Wednesday against Cardinals left-hander
Steven Matz. As a left-handed hitter that has never faced Matz in his career, DFS gamers should be looking to avoid Lux, who went hitless in Game 1.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
RADIO
