The Philadelphia Phillies made headlines when they signed outfielder Austin Hays from the Baltimore Orioles just before his contract expired. However, Hays has already encountered a hurdle with his new team.

The 29-year-old is now out with a hamstring strain (via Todd Zolecki of MLB.com).

“The Phillies announced several roster moves today,” Zolecki reported. “Outfielder Austin Hays was placed on the 10-day injured list (retroactive to 8/8) with a strained left hamstring. Outfielder Cal Stevenson was loaned from Triple-A team Lehigh Valley. Left-handed pitcher Kolby Allard was loaned to Lehigh Valley. Right-handed pitcher Max Lazar was loaned from Lehigh Valley. First baseman Darick Hall was designated for assignment. Right-handed pitcher Max Castillo was designated for assignment.”

Hays has a batting average of .256/.310/.395 with four home runs and 18 RBI this season. The 2023 All-Star’s power numbers are down, as his season average is 19 home runs with a slugging percentage of .433.

What impact will this have on Philadelphia in the meantime?

The Phillies will test their squad strength to replace Austin Hays

Philadelphia continues to be plagued by injury problems after fellow outfielder Brandon Marsh was hit with the same injury in June (according to Cory Seidman of Yahoo Sports).

“Hays has a left hamstring strain that Phillies manager Rob Thomson said is similar to the one Brandon Marsh suffered in early June,” Seidman said. “Marsh was placed on the IL on June 3 and activated on June 12.”

Fortunately, the Phillies have one of the strongest rosters in the MLB to rely on during Hays’ absence.

“Without Hays, Weston Wilson and Johan Rojas will get more playing time,” Seidman continued. “Wilson is the offensive half of that equation and had a solid night Thursday starting against left-hander Jordan Montgomery. He hit singles and doubles and just missed a three-run double that might have been fair.”

Stevenson now also has the chance to make an impression in the outfield. The 27-year-old has been very successful in the minors this season, achieving a batting average of .307/.420/.908 with seven home runs and 39 RBIs.

In addition, Lazar will replace Allard and Castillo on the pitching staff. The 23-year-old has done well in the minors this year, posting a 1.79 ERA, 0.84 WHIP and 13 saves in 34 appearances. Castillo has struggled this season, posting a 5.43 ERA in 21 games, while Allard has thrown just 13 innings.

Finally, Hall has not played in the major leagues this season, although he has a batting average of .248/.324/.726 with 12 home runs and 56 RBI in the minors.

Philadelphia has the backup players to get through this dry spell, but to win it all this season, the team will need more luck with injuries down the stretch.