PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – There are players that would have progressed faster than Ke’Bryan Hayes has in his rehab, but Pirates GM Ben Cherington said they took a longer road with Hayes. He likely returns Thursday at home against Miami.
The favorite for NL Rookie of the Year at the start of the season, the Pirates said they would and did not rush their top prospect.
“We just felt like we needed to have like a regular Spring Training progression,” Cherington said Sunday. “The last thing we wanted to do was rush him back and then something else happens. His body was not ready for it and he gets a quad or a hammy for going to quick.”
Hayes hurt his wrist swinging during the second game of the season in Chicago. The feel initially was he would be back relatively quickly, but that happened April 3.
The 24- year-old started his rehab May 22 with AAA Indianapolis, hitting .300 in 20 at bats with a pair of doubles, pair of home runs and 4 RBI.
“He’s played well, not surprisingly,” Cherington said. “He looks like Ke’Bryan on defense and at the plate. Encouraged by everything we are getting back from him and the staff in terms of how he is feeling and responding.”
Encouraging for a fan base who has never seen him play in person at PNC Park. Finally, after years of waiting, Thursday will be Ke’Bryan Hayes night.