Pittsburgh Pirates Set to Host Miami Marlins in Four-Game Series
By Marty Leap
Ke’Bryan Hayes set to return to the Pirate lineup
Entering the 2021 season Ke’Bryan Hayes was the odds on favorite to win the National League Rookie of the Year Award. Following a 2020 debut season in which Hayes hit for a .376/.442/.682 slash line, .306 isolate power (ISO) and 195 wRC+ in his first 95 MLB plate appearances, Hayes appeared ready to burst onto the scene as a budding superstar.
In addition to his offensive prowess Hayes also flashed why he was multi-time minor league Gold Glove Award winner. Hayes posted a 0.8 dWAR, +4 Defensive Runs Saved and an Outs Above Average of +3 at third base.
As the 2021 season began Hayes looked like a hitter picking up where he left off at in 2020. In his first 7 PAs of the season Hayes was 1-for-5 with a pair of walks and a 2-run home run. Then in the top of the 1st inning in the second game of the season Hayes injured his hand while diving bag to the first base bag after drawing a walk. Due to this injury Hayes has not played again since this game. However, he is slated to return to the field for the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday night.
Barring some sort of unforeseen last second setback, Hayes will be activated off the 60-day injured list prior to the start of the series on Thursday night. Hayes will provide a huge boost for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Not only is he the team’s best player, but Pirate third basemen also have the worst OPS of any third base group in MLB.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic leading to there being no fans at the ballpark in 2020 this will also be the first time that Hayes has played in front of fans at PNC Park. Pirate fans at the ballpark this weekend should be excited to finally get to watch Hayes in person.