Austin Hays smashes home run in first game with Padres

The San Diego Padres have been picking up the pace recently on offense, although scoring runs hasn’t quite been their strong suit this season. In their bid to bolster their offense, they took a flier on left fielder Austin Hays, someone who has spent the majority of the 2026 season on the injured list due to a hamstring strain and a calf strain and was recently put on waivers by the Chicago White Sox.

Hays cleared waivers, and the Padres picked him up — thrusting him into action on Sunday as pinch-hitter in a clash against the Houston Astros. Hays came into the game in the bottom of the eighth inning to pinch hit for designated hitter Gavin Sheets, and he immediately proved this move correct, as he went yard on a 2-1 count to push San Diego’s lead over Houston to 7-2.

Welcome to San Diego, Austin Hays!

His first homer with the @Padres pic.twitter.com/Iuulw4bZaQ

— MLB (@MLB) August 10, 2026

The 31-year-old has always had some solid pop, so the Padres knew that bringing Hays in did not pose much of a risk when the team needs some more offense. At Hays’ peak (back in 2021), he smacked 22 home runs and slugged .461 on the year, providing solid value for a corner outfielder.

The Padres are facing some stiff competition for a postseason spot, so every win matters from hereon out. They managed to close out the game against the Astros and take a 7-2 victory on Sunday, as San Diego’s pitching corps managed to shut the door and hold Houston scoreless from the third inning onwards.

Perhaps Hays could even get some starts for the Padres for the looming stretch run. San Diego has relied on a revolving door of left fielders that includes Sheets, Luis Rengifo, and Samad Taylor. Maybe in some matchups, particularly against lefties, Hays could provide plenty of value. (He has historically been excellent against southpaws.)

Alas, the Padres will be facing a difficult challenge to start the week, as they will be coming up against the Milwaukee Brewers in a three-game set.

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