The Phillies will be without their lone addition to the everyday lineup from the trade deadline for at least a short stretch due to injury.
Philadelphia placed Austin Hays on the 10-day injured list with a left hamstring strain, retroactive to Thursday, the team announced Friday. The right-handed hitter and former All-Star had become the club’s regular left fielder since his arrival in late July.
Outfielder Cal Stevenson had his contract selected and was promoted from Triple-A in place of Hays. Left-hander Kolby Allard was sent to Triple-A with Max Lazar having his contract selected and heading to the majors in his place. First baseman Darick Hall and right-hander Max Castillo were designated for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster.
A seven-year big leaguer, Hays enjoyed an All-Star season in Baltimore in 2023 before having his playing time reduced as a strong outfield core continued to emerge this year. The Orioles traded the 29-year-old to Philadelphia in exchange for reliever Seranthony Domínguez and outfielder Cristian Pache, the latter of whom was later designated for assignment and is now with the Marlins. Hays smashed left-handed pitching in Baltimore this season, but the Phillies wanted to give him a shot against lefties and righties. He hit .263/.282/.395 with a home run in 10 games with his new team, but injured the hamstring running to first base on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium.
The Phillies have dealt with hamstring injuries throughout the 2024 season with key regulars. Star shortstop Trea Turner missed six weeks with one earlier in the season, and both Brandon Marsh and Bryce Harper had short IL stays with hamstring injuries. They’ll now have to navigate without their new left fielder as he deals with his.
Stevenson was a non-roster invitee to Phillies spring training this year and had a .908 OPS with 27 stolen bases for Lehigh Valley. He’s played 29 career big-league games with the A’s and Giants. Lazard, a 25-year-old reliever, has broken out in the minor leagues in his first season in the organization. He posted a 1.79 ERA in 34 appearances between Double-A and Triple-A.
Lazar’s promotion in Allard’s spot could be a sign that Taijuan Walker (finger inflammation) is nearing a return to Philadlephia’s rotation. The veteran righty made his second rehab start for Double-A Reading on Wednesday.
