Austin Hays Reactivated by Chicago White Sox Amid Roster Injuries

Outfielder Austin Hays was placed on the 10-day injured list after a right hamstring strain on April 6 while chasing a fly ball against Baltimore. The 30-year-old, who signed a one-year, $6 million contract in free agency, completed a two-game rehab stint at Triple-A Charlotte before the club ended it. He was reinstated on the following Monday as the White Sox addressed a concurrent pitching injury.

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• April 6 – Hays sustains hamstring strain vs. Baltimore.

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• Early April – Two-game rehab at Triple-A Charlotte.

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• Sunday – Pitcher Tanner Murray dislocates left shoulder making a diving catch vs. Washington.

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• Monday – Hays activated from injured list.

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Hays is batting .219 with one homer and six RBIs in nine games. Murray, a 26-year-old fourth-round 2020 draft pick acquired from Tampa Bay in November, is hitting .214 (6-for-28) with one homer and three RBIs in 13 games. Murray’s injury includes a fracture that will require surgery and a projected four to six months recovery.

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Manager Will Venable highlighted Hays’ veteran experience and the positive energy he provides to the clubhouse, noting that his return adds depth to the outfield and a seasoned bat to a lineup reshaped by injuries overall, for the team. Venable also described Murray’s shoulder injury as significant, indicating a fracture that will require surgery. Murray said the news was surprising and that the doctor’s visit was frustrating.

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• “He's one of our experienced guys, our veteran guys, that has been through every situation out there,” — Will Venable, White Sox manager

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• “It's significant. There's a fracture in there he'll have to have surgery,” — Will Venable, White Sox manager

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• “Like I knew I didn't feel good in the moment, but, yeah it was a little bit of a frustrating kind of trip to the doctor, I'd say.” — Tanner Murray, White Sox pitcher

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• “to make sure he's in a good spot.” — Will Venable, White Sox manager

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The White Sox will monitor Hays’ workload as he returns, while Murray prepares for surgery and a multi-month rehab. Chicago’s front office is expected to consider additional roster moves to offset the pitching loss during Murray’s recovery.

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