Hays is not in the lineup for Tuesday's game versus the Royals, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hays had started in all four games this season despite suffering a shoulder contusion on a hit-by-pitch over the weekend, but he'll take a seat for Tuesday's contest amid a 2-for-17 start. Colton Cowser will take over in left field in his first start of the year.

Hays (shoulder) is starting in left field and batting sixth in Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Twins, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hays exited Saturday's contest with a bruised right shoulder after being hit by a pitch, but his return to the lineup Sunday confirms it's a minor injury. The 28-year-old is back on track for Opening Day.

Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said Saturday that he's hopeful Hays (shoulder) is fine and can play Sunday, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hays is sore after being hit in the right shoulder by a pitch Saturday, but it sounds like he should be OK. If Hays isn't able to play in Sunday's Grapefruit League finale, he will get in some live at-bats early next week when the O's return to Baltimore.

Hays was removed from Saturday's Grapefruit League contest versus the Blue Jays with a right shoulder contusion after being hit by a pitch, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hays initially remained in the game following a conversation with the Orioles' trainer and manager Brandon Hyde, but he was later lifted in between innings. His removal could just be a precaution, but the team should have more clarity on his situation after the game. If healthy, Hays is slated to be Baltimore's primary left field.

Hays (illness) is starting in left field and batting fifth in Friday's Grapefruit League game against the Pirates, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 28-year-old has been sidelined by a stomach virus for the past week, but he'll rejoin the lineup with spring training winding down. Hays is once again entering the season as Baltimore's primary left fielder.

Hays (illness) expects to be back in the Orioles' lineup Friday, Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hays is still regaining strength after coming down with a stomach virus, but he's feeling better. The 28-year-old is slated to be the club's everyday left fielder in 2024.

Manager Brandon Hyde said Saturday that Hays is under the weather, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hays' illness will likely keep him out of the Orioles' lineup for the next couple of spring games, but his status for Opening Day is unlikely to change. Hays is 4-for-26 so far this spring with a home run and five RBI.

Hays has gone 4-for-13 over his first five Grapefruit League games.

EDGE Analysis

Three of those four hits (one home run, two doubles) have gone for extra bases. The Orioles' outfield looks pretty much set assuming Cedric Mullins' hamstring injury isn't too severe. Hays is projected to see a majority of the playing time in left field after slashing .275/.325/.444 with 16 home runs, 67 RBI, 76 runs scored and five stolen bases in 144 contests last season. Hays doesn't really excel in any one area, but he provides decent numbers in most statistics.

Hays will make $6.3 million in 2024 after winning his arbitration hearing with the Orioles on Tuesday, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Orioles had offered $5.85 million, but Hays and his team emerged victorious. Hays, who had been arbitration-eligible for a second time, slashed .275/.325/.444 with 16 home runs across 144 contests for Baltimore in 2023. He's slated to open 2024 in left field for the defending American League East champs.

Hays is not in Sunday's lineup against the Red Sox.

EDGE Analysis

Hays also sat out Saturday against a righty without appearing off the bench, and he's sitting again against righty Tanner Houck in the regular-season finale. Heston Kjerstad will start in left field while Adley Rutschman gets the nod at designated hitter and James McCann starts behind the dish.