PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – It's an injury that can be so tricky, Ke'Bryan Hayes again in baseball action trying to get back to the Pirates soon. The third baseman started for AAA Indianapolis, batting second, going 0 for 2 with a walk and a run scored before being replaced in the sixth inning.
Hayes had tried to manage the pain in his lower back and hip but eventually on June 24th went on IL, even though he was hitting .337 in June. He attempted to return on July 6 and lasted only one game before having to go back on injured reserve. It's the second consecutive year Hayes has spent time on the injured list after signing an eight-year, $70 million contract at the start of the 2022 season.
The 26-year-old has played in 75 games this season, .252/.290 on-base/.683 OPS with 16 doubles, five triples, five home runs, 32 RBI. Hayes is a career .258/.318/.705 hitter with 23 homers in 331 games and known as one of the best defensive players not only at third, but overall in the game.
Hayes missed 66 games in 2021 due to a wrist injury, 16 games with the back issue last year and has played in 75 of 100 games this season.
