Aug 23, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Philadelphia Phillies left fielder Austin Hays (9) celebrates after hitting a single against the Kansas City Royals in the third inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports Denny Medley
Phillies broadcaster Tom McCarthy mentioned in each of the two wins over the Toronto Blue Jays this week that outfielder Austin Hays was believed to be unavailable because he was under the weather.
As it turns out, Hays has a kidney infection. The Phillies announced before Thursday's series opener in Miami that Hays has been placed on the 10-day injured list with a kidney infection. The move is retroactive to Sept. 2. Outfielder Cal Stevenson has been recalled to take Hays' spot on the 28-man roster.
Even if Hays is back after the minimum amount of days on the IL, his absence makes it even more difficult for Rob Thomson and the front office to evaluate the outfield picture in advance of the playoffs.
Acquired in late July from the Baltimore Orioles and given a chance to seize the everyday job in left field, this is now the second stint on the IL for Hays, who previously missed time with a left hamstring strain. In 67 at-bats for the Phillies, Hays has one home run, five RBIs and a .648 OPS. That's not particularly impressive, though it's too small of a sample size to really draw any conclusions.
The Miami boy is back home.
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Johan Rojas will start in center field Thursday against the Marlins, with Marsh in left field. There's also a very real possibility that Weston Wilson — who has a .936 OPS in 26 games this season — sees increased action in the absence of Hays, particularly when left-handed pitchers are on the mound.
Hays isn't going to lose his job because of a kidney infection, although it has opened the door for Rojas and Wilson to prove their value to the Phillies. Come playoff time, the three best players are going to be in the outfield. It's hard to know right now if Hays is one of those three.
