2023 Orioles All-Star set to join Bowie Baysox tonight
*Cover Photo: John Topoleski
Yesterday, the Bowie Baysox announced on Instagram that Orioles outfielder Austin Hays will join them to begin a rehab assignment. He is scheduled to appear in tonight's series opener against the Akron Rubberducks.
Hays, a 2023 All-Star for the O's, landed on the 10-day IL on April 22 after suffering a strained right calf the day before against the Kansas City Royals. He had previously been reported joining Bowie for non-game workouts with the team. Now, he will resume game action starting tonight.
It has been a while since Hays last visited Bowie. That, of course, came when he was a notable top outfield prospect in an Orioles farm system that was rebuilding just like the big league team itself. Hays was a .330 hitter in 2017 for Bowie. In just 60 games at Double-A, he cranked 16 home runs and posted a .960 OPS before getting a brief call to the show that fall for the Orioles.
Hays had a couple of other stints with Bowie in the following years, but he departed the Minor Leagues for good in 2019 and has been a main stay in the Orioles' outfield since then. In 513 big league games, Hays is a .258 hitter with a .740 OPS, 63 HR, and 230 RBI. His gold glove caliber defense and clutch offense has won the hearts of Orioles fans over the years, especially when he stood out as a rising star during the team's dreadful rebuilding
period.
Hays is off to a slow start this season for Baltimore. In 19 games, he is just 5-for-50 (.111) with 2 RBi and 4 walks. As he looks to get healthy and back in game shape, he will also look to find a click in his offense and return to a productive form for when he rejoins the Orioles. Perhaps seeing some Minor League pitching will help him find a good groove that he can carry to the big leagues.
Purchase tickets to watch Austin Hays' rehab assignment here.
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