CHICAGO (AP) — The Cincinnati Reds placed outfielder Austin Hays on the 10-day injured list on Friday because of a left foot contusion.
The Reds also activated outfielder Jake Fraley from the 10-day IL before their 6-2 victory over the Chicago Cubs. Right-hander Lyon Richardson was recalled from Triple-A Louisville.
Hays, who turns 30 on July 5, got hurt when he fouled a pitch off his foot in the sixth inning of Wednesday's 3-2 loss at Kansas City. He missed the start of the season with a left calf strain and also spent time on the IL with a left hamstring strain.
“We’re thrilled there’s not a broken bone, but he’s really sore,” manager Terry Francona said. “So we need to just let him have a few days. Hopefully, that’s all it is.”
Hays signed a $5 million, one-year contract with the Reds in January. He is batting .303 with six homers and 25 RBIs in 31 games this season.
Fraley, 30, got the start in right field for the series opener against Chicago. He had been sidelined by left calf tenderness.
He hit a two-run drive in the sixth in his first major league game since May 6. It was his fourth homer of the season.
Catcher Tyler Stephenson said losing Hays is “brutal," but getting Fraley back helps.
“We're bringing in experience,” said Stephenson, who also homered in the victory at Wrigley Field. “Jake's been here, and we trust him.”
Richardson is replacing Luis Mey, who was sent down on Thursday. The 25-year-old Richardson is 0-1 with a 1.32 ERA in 10 games with the Reds this season.
AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB
Cincinnati Reds right fielder Jake Fraley (27) is showered in fake money from his teammates in the dugout after hitting a two-run home run during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs, Friday, May 30, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)
Cincinnati Reds' Austin Hays celebrates with teammates after their baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, Monday, May 26, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
The NFL's regular season has reached its final weekend with plenty undecided in terms of the playoff picture, including the No. 1 seed in both the AFC and NFC.
Here's what to watch over the next few days:
The Denver Broncos, New England Patriots and Jacksonville Jaguars all have a shot at the No. 1 seed in the AFC, which includes a first-round bye and home-field advantage through the playoffs.
The Broncos (13-3) have the clearest path — if they beat the Los Angeles Chargers (11-5) on Sunday, they'll earn the top seed. They could also sneak into the top spot depending on the results for the Patriots and Jaguars.
The easiest way for the Patriots (13-3) to earn the top spot is to beat the Miami Dolphins (7-9) on Sunday and hope the Broncos lose to the Chargers. There are also a few unlikely scenarios — including ties in Week 18 — where they could clinch.
The only way the Jaguars (12-4) will be the No. 1 seed is if they beat the Tennessee Titans (3-13) on Sunday and the Broncos and Patriots both lose. Jacksonville can also clinch the AFC South with a win.
The Houston Texans (11-5) are still in the mix for the AFC South if they can beat the Indianapolis Colts (8-8) and the Jaguars lose.
The Baltimore Ravens (8-8) and Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) are fighting for the AFC North title and the final AFC playoff spot on Sunday. The Steelers need to win or tie while the Ravens have to win.
The Seattle Seahawks (13-3) face the San Francisco 49ers (12-4) on Saturday night with the NFC's No. 1 seed, first-round bye and home-field advantage on the line. The Seahawks have to win or tie while the 49ers must win.
The Carolina Panthers (8-8) face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9) on Saturday for the NFC South title and final NFC playoff spot. Carolina's easiest path is to beat or tie the Bucs, but they could also sneak into the playoff field if they lose and the Atlanta Falcons (7-9) beat the New Orleans Saints (6-11).
Tampa Bay must beat Carolina and then hope the Falcons lose or tie the Saints.
AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) leaves the field during the first half of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young passes against the Seattle Seahawks during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold passes against the Carolina Panthers during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Rusty Jones)
