CHICAGO -- White Sox outfielder Austin Hays exited Monday’s game against the Orioles with a right hamstring strain after pulling up with a limp while chasing a fly ball that landed near the left-field line at Rate Field.
It appeared Hays had a good chance to catch Tyler O’Neill’s eventual RBI single, but the left fielder slowed down and began hopping on his left foot in obvious pain before the ball could land. Hays was able to grab the ball and toss it to third baseman Miguel Vargas, but walked slowly off the field with a trainer and manager Will Venable without bending his right knee.
Derek Hill, who signed with the White Sox in November, replaced Hays in left field before walking and stealing a base in his first at-bat in the fourth inning.
Hays was a big offseason addition for the White Sox, providing power to the middle of the lineup with a homer and six RBIs entering Monday’s series opener. He’s also given Chicago a strong defensive option in left, with Andrew Benintendi moving to more of a designated hitter role to begin the season.