The first two innings of the Philadelphia Phillies' game against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday night didn't get off to a great start. After going down 4-1 after two frames, things got worse for the Phillies at Dodger Stadium when left fielder Austin Hays was forced to leave the game in the top of the third inning with an apparent leg injury.
Running out of the box on a ground ball, Hays took a few steps before slowing down and slowly making his way to first base. He immediately walked off the field and spoke to Phillies manager Rob Thomson on his way through the dugout and down the tunnel.
Austin Hays leaves game with leg injury, throwing Phillies' outfield back into flux
According to MLB.com's Todd Zolecki, the Phillies announced that Hays left the game with "left hamstring tightness." Johan Rojas came into the game in the bottom of the third to play center field, with Brandon Marsh shifting over to left.
Hays left the game with "left hamstring tightness." https://t.co/1JWzKJzG21
— Todd Zolecki (@ToddZolecki) August 8, 2024
The Phillies' newest outfielder, acquired at the recently passed trade deadline, was just starting to find his groove at the plate with his new team. In nine games with the Phillies heading into Wednesday's game, Hays is hitting .270/.289/.405 with a home run and a pair of stolen bases while taking over the everyday job in left field. Over the last six games, he has a .320/.346/.520 line.
Since trading for Hays from the Baltimore Orioles, the Phillies have managed to find some consistency with their outfield alignment. With Hays patrolling left, Marsh has been getting close to everyday reps in center, while veteran Nick Castellanos continues to hold down right.
Now, with Hays potentially missing time, the Phillies will be forced to play a weaker offensive outfield alignment until he returns to action.
Hays isn't the first Phillie to battle a hamstring injury this season. Trea Turner, Marsh and Bryce Harper all spent varying lengths of time on the IL with a similar issue. Turner missed six weeks with his injury, Marsh was out for two weeks, and Harper was on the shelf just over the minimum 10 days.