The Cincinnati Reds are getting a major boost as they activate key players from the injured list. Right-hander Alexis Díaz (left hamstring strain) returns from the 15-day IL, while infielder Matt McLain (left hamstring strain) and outfielder Austin Hays (left calf strain) also rejoin the club. The move comes as the trio works their way back from a lingering injury that sidelined them to start the season. The Reds optioned outfielder Jacob Hurtubise and infielder Neolvi Marte to Triple-A Louisville.
The moves come as the Reds open a three-game home series against the Seattle Mariners. The Reds are on a 5-1 hot streak following a weekend sweep of the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Matt McLain Injury Sees Return, Along with Austin Hays and Alexis Díaz
Hays, who signed a one-year, $5 million deal in the offseason, has yet to make his season debut. He went 1-for-5 with a home run and two RBI during his rehab assignment. He homered Saturday against Triple-A Indianapolis and played seven innings the day before without issue, according to manager Terry Francona.
“I think as the game went, he felt stronger as far as, like, his legs go,” Francona said.
The 29-year-old is expected to get the bulk of the starts in left field for Cincinnati.
McLain missed all of last season with a shoulder injury and entered spring training as the Reds’ most productive hitter before being sidelined by hamstring tightness. He has a slashline of .214/.290/.571 with three home runs and five RBI in eight games this season.
Díaz worked through delivery issues during his minor-league rehab assignment, which the team said stemmed from a hamstring tweak earlier in the spring. His role in the bullpen upon return remains unclear. In his absence, right-hander Emilio Pagán has gone 4-for-4 in save opportunities while allowing two runs (one earned) on two hits with a 1.32 ERA.
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