The 2025 season has been a rough trail for the Cincinnati Reds, plagued by injuries that have kept key players off the field. Yet, there’s a bit of light as we look into the latest update on outfielder Austin Hays following Wednesday’s game.
Reds manager Terry Francona shed some light on Hays’ situation, revealing that the outfielder underwent another MRI on his foot. Hays, who injured his foot back in late May after fouling a ball off of it, has been sidelined on the 10-day injured list since May 30th. Francona shared, “He’s trying so hard to get out there. He still feels it.” The MRI confirmed a deep bone bruise, a reality the team is grudgingly familiar with now. For the Reds, it’s all about patience at this point, keeping an eye on Hays’ condition as the weekend unfolds, and hoping for progress as he remains day-to-day.
The outfielder’s season has been quite the rollercoaster. On one hand, when Hays is on the diamond, he’s a powerhouse—batting .303/.346/.555, driving in 25 runs, and scoring 23 runs himself in just 31 outings. But therein lies the frustration. With only 31 appearances in the Reds’ 69 games, Hays has spent more time recuperating than swinging the bat.
Turning our attention to Noelvi Marte, another critical piece in Cincinnati’s lineup puzzle, we see a similar story of triumph amidst challenge. Marte hasn’t played since early May due to a strained oblique, yet his contributions before the injury were significant. Following a suspension-plagued 2024, Marte was showing flashes of his former brilliance, hitting .294/.342/.515 across 19 games, with notable power—eight extra-base hits and 17 RBIs to his name.
Francona hinted at better news on the horizon for Marte, suggesting that a rehab assignment could commence on June 20th. However, this is contingent on a final MRI to clear him for play. If all goes well, Reds fans might not have to wait much longer to see Marte back in action.
Amidst the injury updates, there’s exciting news brewing down in the minors. Chase Burns, the Reds’ prized 2024 first-round pick, is stepping up to Triple-A. Dominance might be an understatement for Burns’ performance this season, with an electrifying 1.68 ERA over 53.2 innings split between Dayton and Chattanooga. His command is impressive, surrendering just 31 hits and nine walks while fanning 75 of the 196 batters he’s faced.
The 22-year-old right-hander is set to showcase his talents with the Louisville Bats today, taking the ball for game one of a day/night doubleheader in Iowa. It’s an exciting debut for Reds fans and prospect watchers alike, especially with the matchup being featured as the MiLBtv Free Game of the Day.
In a season marred by setbacks, these glimpses of potential returns and emerging talent provide a heartbeat of hope for Cincinnati and its faithful fans, ready to see what the next chapter holds.
