Austin Hays is set to return to the Cincinnati Reds' lineup after two minor-league rehab games. The outfielder, who has been sidelined since May 29 due to a left foot contusion, performed well in his rehab stint, including a game as a designated hitter where he went 1-for-4 with a run scored.

Despite struggling with injuries this season, Hays has managed to maintain a strong offensive performance, boasting a .303 batting average with six home runs and 25 RBIs across 31 games. He will bat fourth as designated hitter in the upcoming series against the San Diego Padres. In a related move, Jake Fraley has been placed on the 10-day injured list with a shoulder strain.

The Cincinnati Reds are eagerly awaiting the return of two key players as they gear up for a challenging homestand against the New York Yankees and San Diego Padres. Outfielder Austin Hays, who has been the team's standout performer when healthy, is on the verge of rejoining the lineup after recovering from a bone bruise on his left foot. Hays expressed optimism after participating in drills, indicating he feels significantly better following a recent shutdown due to persistent pain.

Meanwhile, Jeimer Candelario, the Reds' $45 million corner infielder, has completed his rehab assignment and is set to come back to the majors after battling a lumbar spine strain since late April. Despite a rough start to his season, hitting just .113 in 22 games, Candelario is expected to provide much-needed depth and offensive capability as the Reds face stiff competition in the upcoming series.

Tyler Callihan's recovery from a broken arm is nothing short of impressive. After suffering multiple fractures just days after his MLB debut, he has returned to the Reds' clubhouse, showing signs of progress. Manager Terry Francona praised Callihan's resilience but acknowledged ongoing challenges in his recovery process.

Meanwhile, Graham Ashcraft is also on the mend from a right groin strain, having been placed on the 15-day injured list. Ashcraft reported feeling better, although the exact cause of his injury remains unclear. Additionally, Austin Hays is hopeful for a return after dealing with persistent pain in his left foot, which led to a second MRI. His performance before the injury suggests he has the potential to make a significant impact upon his return.

The fantasy baseball landscape is brimming with potential as we enter Week 11 of the 2025 season. Managers should prioritize stashing injured high-profile players who are currently available in under 65% of leagues. Key names include Brandon Woodruff of the Milwaukee Brewers, who is making a return from an elbow injury and boasts impressive past performance, including a 2.28 ERA in 2023. Max Scherzer, now with the Toronto Blue Jays, is also on the mend, aiming to rejoin the rotation by late June after struggling with thumb and back issues.

Additionally, young talents like Ezequiel Tovar of the Colorado Rockies and Dylan Crews of the Washington Nationals are noteworthy stashes for their potential upside, despite recent injuries. The list of players to monitor closely also includes Austin Hays, who was performing well for the Cincinnati Reds before sustaining a foot injury. With these players potentially returning soon, savvy fantasy managers can capitalize on their league mates’ oversights.

Austin Hays of the Cincinnati Reds has been sidelined again, marking the third injury this season that has placed him on the 10-day injured list. Hays, who is the team's leading hitter with a .303 batting average, six doubles, three triples, and six home runs, has missed over half of the Reds' games this season. His absence has had a significant impact, contributing to multiple shutout losses for the team. After starting the season with a calf strain and later suffering a hamstring injury, Hays now faces a left foot contusion that will keep him out until at least June 8. In his absence, Jake Fraley has been activated from the injured list to fill his spot, having also dealt with injury issues earlier this season.