By admin 
The Cincinnati Reds received encouraging injury news Friday, assigning third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes to High-A Dayton for a rehab assignment ahead of their series opener against the Baltimore Orioles.
Read more How to Watch Argentina vs. Cabo Verde on TV, Live Stream-World Cup
The move represents an important step toward Hayes’ return after he had been sidelined for more than a month with a back injury.
Hayes was placed on the 10-day injured list retroactive to May 21 because of a lumbar bulging disc. The 29-year-old spent time at the Reds’ Arizona complex working on his swing and core strength before being cleared to begin playing in rehab games.
A rehab assignment allows players to rebuild their timing and conditioning before returning to the major league roster. Cincinnati has not announced a timetable for Hayes’ activation, and his return will depend on how he progresses over the coming days.
The #Reds today sent IF Ke’Bryan Hayes on a rehab assignment at High-A Dayton. pic.twitter.com/rnKFfW6wcs
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) July 3, 2026
Hayes joined the Reds at the 2025 trade deadline after spending the first six seasons of his career with the Pittsburgh Pirates. The former first-round pick and multiple Gold Glove Award winner has built a reputation as one of baseball’s premier defensive third basemen.
Read more Stars captain Jamie Benn returning for 18th season
Before landing on the injured list, Hayes appeared in 44 games this season and hit .142 with a .195 on-base percentage, a .420 OPS, two home runs, five RBIs and one stolen base.
While his offensive production was limited, Cincinnati values the stability and defense he provides on the left side of the infield.
The Reds entered Friday with a 40-46 record, sitting fifth in the National League Central before opening a three-game series against the Orioles at Great American Ball Park. Brady Singer is scheduled to start against Baltimore left-hander Trevor Rogers.
If Hayes completes his rehab assignment without any setbacks, the Reds could welcome one of their top defensive infielders back to the active roster in the near future, though the club has not announced when he might be activated.
Read more Soccer-Texas Attorney General launches investigation into StubHub amid World Cup complaints
ALSO SEE:
- Home Run Predictions Today: Best MLB HR Prop Bets for Friday, July 3
- NRFI and YRFI MLB Bets Today: Best First Inning Predictions for Friday, July 3
Copyright 2026 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
This story was originally published July 3, 2026 at 12:00 PM.