Cincinnati Reds left fielder Austin Hays, expected by many to be in the team's starting lineup and batting cleanup, wasn't in the big-leaguers' lineup for Tuesday night's exhibition game against minor-leaguers at Day Air Ballpark, and the radio broadcast indicated that Hays is dealing with a calf injury.
It is not known whether the injury will keep Hays from playing Thursday in his first Reds' Opening Day, against the San Francisco Giants. The broadcast indicated that the Reds would know more Wednesday about Hays' status.
Hays played Sunday in the Reds' final Cactus League game at Goodyear Ballpark. He was 1-for-3 with a double and two RBIs before being replaced in left field by Jacob Hurtubise.
Hays batted .310 during Spring Training.
Last April, the Baltimore Orioles placed Hays on the 10-day injured list with a strained left calf.
Hays, a 2023 All-Star, signed a one-year deal in January with the Reds for $5 million.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Austin Hays calf injury: LF hopes to be in Reds' Opening Day lineup
