As Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona described it, Ke’Bryan Hayes’ back is being uncooperative.
Francona said Sept. 18 the Reds would keep daily tabs on Hayes’ back discomfort after the club’s lineup posted for its series opener against the Chicago Cubs, revealing Hayes would sit for the night in favor of Sal Stewart, who would man third base.
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Hayes’ back issues date to 2022 and while he takes good care of his reoccurring back issues and utilizes a specialist for treatments, Francona said, signs of discomfort appeared during Cincinnati’s series in St. Louis Sept. 15-17.
Sep 15, 2025; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Cincinnati Reds third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes (3) throws out St. Louis Cardinals left fielder Alec Burleson (not pictured) at first base in the first inning at Busch Stadium.
The issue doesn’t appear to be considered serious and Hayes could attempt to see his preferred specialist in the coming days.
“I told him ‘if you can get your appointment, go.’ So, he’s trying to do it,” Francona said. “He just doesn’t know if he can do it before Monday, so we’re just going kind of day to day.”
The timing isn’t ideal for the Reds with their playoff hopes hanging in the balance. Cincinnati opened play Sept. 18 with 10 games remaining and 2.5 games to make up in the standings against the New York Mets, who hold the final National League playoff position and defeated the San Diego Padres earlier Sept. 18.
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The Arizona Diamondbacks started the day Sept. 18 a half-game ahead of Cincinnati in the race for the final wild card berth in the NL.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Ke’Bryan Hayes sitting for Reds vs. Cubs with back issues