The Cincinnati Reds received encouraging injury news Friday, assigning third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes to High-A Dayton for a rehab assignment ahead of their series opener against the Baltimore Orioles.
The move represents an important step toward Hayes' return after he had been sidelined for more than a month with a back injury.
Hayes was placed on the 10-day injured list retroactive to May 21 because of a lumbar bulging disc. The 29-year-old spent time at the Reds' Arizona complex working on his swing and core strength before being cleared to begin playing in rehab games.
A rehab assignment allows players to rebuild their timing and conditioning before returning to the major league roster. Cincinnati has not announced a timetable for Hayes' activation, and his return will depend on how he progresses over the coming days.
Hayes joined the Reds at the 2025 trade deadline after spending the first six seasons of his career with the Pittsburgh Pirates. The former first-round pick and multiple Gold Glove Award winner has built a reputation as one of baseball's premier defensive third basemen.
Before landing on the injured list, Hayes appeared in 44 games this season and hit .142 with a .195 on-base percentage, a .420 OPS, two home runs, five RBIs and one stolen base.
While his offensive production was limited, Cincinnati values the stability and defense he provides on the left side of the infield.
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The Reds entered Friday with a 40-46 record, sitting fifth in the National League Central before opening a three-game series against the Orioles at Great American Ball Park. Brady Singer is scheduled to start against Baltimore left-hander Trevor Rogers.
If Hayes completes his rehab assignment without any setbacks, the Reds could welcome one of their top defensive infielders back to the active roster in the near future, though the club has not announced when he might be activated.
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