Reds Outfielder Austin Hays to Open Season on Injured List, Spencer Steer to Begin Season on Active Roster

Another blow for the Reds.

Cincinnati Reds outfielder Austin Hays (12), left, speaks with first base coach Collin Cowgill (54) in the first inning of a Cactus League game between the Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Guardians, Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025, at the Goodyear Ballpark in Goodyear, Ariz. | Frank Bowen IV/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Reds' Manager Terry Francona said on Wednesday that Austin Hays will start the 2025 season on the injured list, according to Joe Danneman of Fox 19.

Spencer Steer, who the Reds previously said would start the season on the roster, will now start the season on the active roster and be available to DH.

On Tuesday night, Reds' Radio reported that Austin Hays was not in the lineup because he was dealing with a calf injury. According to Francona, Hays had a calf issue last season that he tried to play through, and it gave him trouble. Cincinnati is able to backdate his IL stint, and there is a chance he could miss just the first six games of the season.

Hays had an impressive spring, slashing .310/.370/.690 with eight extra-base hits in 16 spring training games.

Although Steer won't be able to play in the field, having him available to be in the lineup is big for the Reds. Francona mentioned this was Steer's decision and that he might not be available every day, but having his bat in the lineup some days is better than none.

Over his last two full seasons with Cincinnati, he’s played in 314 games. During that time, the 27-year-slashed .248/.338/.433 with 121 extra-base hits and 40 stolen bases.

Andrew Abbott, Austin Hays, Rhett Lowder, Alexis Diaz, and Tyler Stephenson will all start the season on the injured list.

The Reds open the season against the San Francisco Giants on Thursday at Great American Ball Park.

Francona says they can back date Hays’ IL stint. Chance he only misses, maybe, the first 6 games of the season. https://t.co/4e8kjkZ142

— Joe Danneman (@FOX19Joe) March 26, 2025

This was Steer’s choice. Something he wanted. Might not be available to DH every day, but Francona said, if he can do, say, two out of every three games, that’s better than none. https://t.co/k7B5JUvh7Y

— Joe Danneman (@FOX19Joe) March 26, 2025

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