INJURY UPDATE: Philadelphia Phillies Outfielder Given Estimated Timeline for Injury Recovery
Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Austin Hays is on the verge of returning to the team after being on the injured list due to a kidney infection. He will start a two-game rehab assignment with Triple-A Lehigh Valley, serving as the designated hitter on Saturday and playing left field in the IronPigs’ final game of the season on Sunday, September 22. After a recovery day on Monday, September 23, Hays is anticipated to be activated for the second game of the Phillies’ three-game series against the Chicago Cubs on September 25.
Hays’ return comes at a pivotal time for Philadelphia. If the Phillies secure a first-round bye in the postseason, their National League Division Series won’t start until October 5, allowing Hays extra time to regain his form before the playoffs.
Reflecting on his recent health issues, Hays revealed that the kidney infection had been affecting him for weeks prior to his placement on the injured list. He was sidelined on Thursday, September 5, after struggling with the infection, but he believes the problem had been impacting his performance long before then.
“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 on Thursday. “I had been feeling drained for weeks, especially after injuring my hamstring in early August. My recovery didn’t seem right, and it wasn’t until September that I realized how severe the infection was. Now, I feel back to 100 percent.”
Hays’ potential role raises questions for the Phillies as they approach the postseason. The team has been monitoring his progress closely during the final stretch of the regular season. Before his injury, Hays had been designated the everyday left fielder by manager Rob Thomson. However, due to his time off and noticeable platoon splits—recording a .940 OPS against left-handed pitchers compared to a .556 OPS against right-handers—there are uncertainties regarding how he will be utilized in the playoffs.
