Cincinnati Reds outfielder Austin Hays will start the season on the 10-day injured list with a minor calf injury. Manager Terry Francona announced the news Wednesday at Great American Ball Park, adding that Hays could miss as few as six games. Hays tried to play through it last year, which gave him trouble. Francona also confirmed that outfielders Blake Dunn and Jacob Hurtubise made the Opening Day roster, while Stuart Fairchild was designated for assignment.
Austin Hays to the IL with a calf injury. Spencer Steer will now be active. Dunn and Hurtubise made the team. Fairchild DFAd
— Charlie Goldsmith (@CharlieG__) March 26, 2025
Despite an earlier report that infielder/outfielder Spencer Steer would begin the season on the IL with a right shoulder injury, he will instead be on the Opening Day roster as the designated hitter.
Austin Hays Begins Season with Minor Injury
Hays signed a one-year, $5 million contract with the Reds in January. In 2024, he batted .255/.303/.396 between the Baltimore Orioles and Philadelphia Phillies, posting a modest .234 xwOBA and a low 3.5% walk rate. When healthy, Hays is expected to be the Reds’ primary left fielder and was projected to bat in the cleanup spot.
He had a strong spring, slashing .310/.370/.690 with three home runs and a steal over 46 plate appearances. When they signed him, the Reds made it clear that Hays would be given an everyday role. Now, he’s positioned for a key run-production spot in Cincinnati, likely behind TJ Friedl, Matt McLain, and Elly De La Cruz—at least against right-handed pitching. Hays could move higher in the order against lefties once he finds his rhythm.
In Hays’s absence, Gavin Lux could handle left field against right-handed pitchers, with Dunn also in the mix for playing time.
Steer Will Be on the Roster, Fairchild Out
Steer’s right shoulder has been an issue for him since last season. With the Reds’ change in plans, placing Steer on the IL now makes sense, as they don’t want to lose his bat. Steer posted a solid .271/.356/.463 line for a 117 wRC+ in 2024. However, his performance dipped last season, dropping to .225/.319/.402, marking a down year. Having him in the DH spot will provide the Reds with less flexibility for the time being.
Unfortunately, Fairchild was primarily a glove-first depth outfielder. After exhausting his final option year in 2024, he remained on the roster last season due to the Reds’ injury woes. While his defensive abilities are solid, his bat hasn’t matched up, with a .224/.308/.389 line and an 88 wRC+. This spring, his struggles continued, as he posted a .132/.233/.184 line in 45 plate appearances.
Main Photo: © Frank Bowen IV/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The post Reds Adjust Roster as Hays Hits IL and Fairchild is DFA’d appeared first on Last Word On Baseball.