It’s a routine day off for Hays as the Reds manage his workload shortly after coming off the injured list. The 29-year-old outfielder went 1-for-4 on Friday in his return to Cincinnati’s lineup following a nearly two-week absence recovering from a hamstring strain.

Hays will make his triumphant return to the Reds’ lineup on Friday night where he’ll serve as the designated hitter and bat cleanup against Hunter Brown and the Astros. Before landing on the injured list with his left hamstring strain, Hays was slashing a robust .365/.431/.712 with five long balls, 13 RBI and one swipe in his first 13 contests.

Hays hit the injured list last Friday with a mild left hamstring strain. It sounds like there’s a decent chance he’s back with Cincinnati later this week without needing a minor league rehab assignment. The 29-year-old outfielder has gotten off to a torrid start in his Reds debut, hitting .365/.431/.712 with five homers, 13 RBI and one steal through 13 games.

Hays will hit the shelf as the corresponding transaction for Tyler Stephenson coming off the injured list from his oblique strain. Hays will miss at least a week with the knock and the Reds will likely use a rotation of players at DH and in the outfield to replace the 29-year-old.