The Pittsburgh Pirates find themselves navigating rough waters as their star third baseman, Ke’Bryan Hayes, hits the 10-day injured list due to low back inflammation. The announcement made late Saturday reveals an ongoing battle for Hayes, who has been struggling with back issues in recent seasons.
Manager Ben Cherington expressed optimism during his weekly segment on 93.7 The Fan, prior to the team’s Mother’s Day game against the Chicago Cubs. Cherington shared that although Hayes’ condition is concerning, it’s not anticipated to be a major setback for his season.
“It’s something he’s dealt with before, and managed before,” Cherington said. “We’ve seen him need to take short breaks in previous seasons, but we’re hopeful this is just a short-term situation.
He’s been pushing through some discomfort for a while now.”
Cherington noted the particular strain batting puts on Hayes, more so than his work on the field. This nuanced understanding of his injury provides some assurance about his eventual return to third base, where he’s a renowned defensive asset.
Before being sidelined, Hayes had participated in 34 games this season, achieving a batting line of .240/.322/.318, with notable contributions including seven doubles, a home run, and 11 RBIs in 149 appearances at the plate.
On defense, Hayes has been a wall for the Pirates, with three defensive runs saved and an impressive .968 fielding percentage. Remarkably, he’s managed to go 27 games without an error after initially struggling at the start of the season.
In response to the vacancy left by Hayes, the Pirates have brought up infielder Alika Williams from Triple-A Indianapolis. Meanwhile, Jared Triolo has been covering third base in Hayes’ absence, stepping up to ensure the team remains competitive in their games thus far without Hayes. Fans and the team alike remain hopeful for a swift recovery for the Gold Glove winner, eager to see him reclaim his spot on the field.