Hays exits early with back spasms, snaps 15-game on-base streak

CINCINNATI -- Reds outfielder Austin Hays left Saturday night’s 6-3 win over the Cubs in the fifth inning with back spasms. Sal Stewart replaced him in left field.

Hays exited after going 0-for-3 with two strikeouts, snapping a season-high 15-game on-base streak.

“His back really locked up,” manager Terry Francona said. “He did it on a swing earlier. He wanted to stay in the game, and he just couldn’t.”

Francona did not expect Hays to play in Sunday's series finale. With Monday being an off-day, the Reds' skipper hopes Hays will be back in there for Tuesday’s series opener against the Pirates.

The Reds signed Hays to a one-year, $5 million contract in January. He is batting .266 with 15 home runs and 64 RBIs in 102 games.

Hays, 30, was an All-Star for the Orioles in 2023 before an injury-filled '24 season.