Breaking News: Philadelphia Phillies Issue Troubling Health Update Regarding Beleaguered Outfielder.
As the Philadelphia Phillies seek to move past a disappointing 9-1 defeat to the Washington Nationals, they are now focused on winning their final two games of the season. Their goal is to secure home-field advantage from the Los Angeles Dodgers before the postseason begins.
However, their plans have been complicated by news from Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer that outfielder Austin Hays is dealing with back soreness and has been removed from Saturday’s lineup. This comes shortly after he was activated from the 10-day injured list due to a serious kidney infection. The 29-year-old has only played in 22 games for the Phillies since being traded from the Baltimore Orioles in July due to various health issues.
Rob Thomson reported that Austin Hays is experiencing back pain and is currently being evaluated. Additionally, Johan Rojas is unwell and remained in Philadelphia, with hopes that he can rejoin the team in Washington tomorrow.
When healthy, Hays has had a batting average of .256 with 20 hits, two home runs, and six RBIs since joining the team. His presence allowed manager Rob Thomson to shift left-handed hitter Brandon Marsh to center field instead of the struggling rookie Johan Rojas. This strategy showed promise before Hays’s hospitalization earlier this month, forcing the team to rely on Triple-A players Weston Wilson and Cal Stevenson over the past month. No further updates on Hays’s condition have been shared.
With Hays unable to play on Saturday, it has been reported that Rojas is also sidelined due to illness and may be out for the rest of the regular season. The absence of both players comes at a crucial time as the Phillies aim to secure home-field advantage in the playoffs.
In Hays’s absence, Wilson will start in left field, and Marsh will move to center on Saturday. The limited roster depth means that Marsh will face left-handed pitcher Mackenzie Gore, despite struggling against lefties this season, with a batting average of just .200 in 75 at-bats and 33 strikeouts.
