Phillies reveal plan for Austin Hays: ‘An opportunity to be an everyday guy’

When the Phillies acquired Austin Hays, manager Rob Thomson couldn’t say what his plans were for the righty outfielder. He mentioned that he had yet to have a conversation with his players about it.

Phillies reveal plan for Hays

This weekend, his plan was revealed going forward. “I’m going to give him an opportunity to be an everyday guy,” said Thomson. Unlike popular belief, Hays would not be a straight platoon partner with Brandon Marsh.

He echoed what Dave Dombrowski said on Friday, citing that Hays wasn’t playing every day.

“With all the left-handed hitters they got in Baltimore, he didn’t get a chance to play every single day. We think that might have taken away some of the numbers against right-handed pitching,” said Thomson.

Both Dombroski and Thomson brought up Hays’ All-Star campaign in 2023. Overall, he hit .275 with a .769 OPS in 566 plate appearances. Against righties, he hit .280 with a slightly lower slugging percentage.

He only had 104 plate appearances against righties so far in 2024 as opposed to 399 in 2023.

Hays will be the Phillies’ everyday leftfielder, although he could appear in center if a pinch-hit opportunity comes about.

It’ll be Johan Rojas who probably sees the biggest role reduction. “It’s going to cut into Rojas’ time a little bit,” said Thomson. Marsh will play most days in centerfield when there’s a righty on the mound. It won’t be a strict platoon for Marsh but there has to be room for Rojas.

Thomson brought up Rojas’ status as a top prospect in the system, saying that he needs to find him playing time.

The bottom line is Hays will help the Phillies cover the lineup against left-handed pitching. Whereas Marsh was hitting .140 with a .371 OPS against lefties, Hays is hitting .328 with an .894 OPS.

It’ll increase the offensive output of the 2024 Phillies without sacrificing defense.