Ke'Bryan Hayes Injury: Dealing with back injury

Hayes missed the last two games due to back soreness, Mike Petraglia of MLB.com reports. He did enter Thursday's 1-0 win over the Cubs as a defensive replacement in the ninth inning.

The back issue, which has bothered Hayes previously, cropped up during the Reds' series this week against the Cardinals. Cincinnati manager Terry Francona tried to get him time off then, but Spencer Steer came down with a neck injury. With Steer now back, Hayes can rest up. Francona said the third baseman, who's been managing the pain, could visit with a specialist by Monday. Sal Stewart served as the third baseman the last two games and presumably will continue to get the nod if Hayes misses more time.