CINCINNATI – The Reds' best defensive player, third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes, began the next stage in his efforts to return on Friday. Hayes was sent to High-A Dayton for the start of a rehab assignment.
Hayes, who has been out since May 21 with a bulging disc in his back, had been working on getting healthy and taking swings at the team's player development complex in Goodyear, Ariz.
“I think we tried to put enough work in -- he did it -- but put a program in place where [he] can sustain the work it takes to keep his swing where it can be productive," manager Terry Francona said.
The plan is for Hayes to play this weekend at Dayton before moving up to Triple-A Louisville next week. The expected total length of the rehab assignment has not been revealed.
“I don’t think we have a set number," Francona said.
A two-time National League Gold Glove winner – including in 2025 – Hayes struggled big time as a hitter all season. In 44 games, he batted .142 with a .420 OPS, two home runs and five RBIs.
While he was in Arizona, Hayes was given directives for adjustments from hitting coach Chris Valaika to try to help him get back on track at the plate.
“Val and the hitting guys tried to really stay abreast of him all the way, and I got videos of him hitting and I know they’ve been talking. They’ve done assessments. They’ve stayed on it pretty good," Francona said.
In an effort to upgrade defensively, the Reds acquired Hayes from the Pirates at the Trade Deadline last season for shortstop prospect Sammy Stafura and reliever Taylor Rogers. Hayes is signed through the 2029 season.