Pirates Scratch Ke’Bryan Hayes From Lineup

The Pittsburgh Pirates have made a last-minute lineup adjustment for Sunday afternoon’s game against the Philadelphia Phillies. Ke’Bryan Hayes has been scratched from the lineup with what the Pirates are describing as left knee discomfort. Josh VanMeter has now been inserted into the lineup and will man third base for the Pirates.

As of right now, the Pittsburgh Pirates have not made any transactional moves, and Hayes remains off the IL for now. Hayes has been called “day to day” by the team.

Hayes started off the season rather hot and even found himself with the big boys with a .333/.420/.420 slash line in April and seemed to be one of the best in baseball.

Hayes has seen better months, with June and July being rather rough for Hayes. In June, Hayes slashed .198/.238/.333 in 96 at-bats. Although July was better for Hayes, it wasn’t by much. In July, Hayes slashed .213/.295/.319 with four RBIs and 20 strikeouts in 94 at-bats.

Maybe Hayes was dealing with this knee discomfort for quite some time, or maybe Hayes has another undisclosed injury that could account for the dip in his offensive production over the past three months. If the Pittsburgh Pirates want to contend in the next few years and make a run in the playoffs, they will need a guy like Hayes to remain consistent with the bat and the glove.