BRADENTON, Fla. (AP) — Despite ongoing pain, Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes is determined to overcome his chronic lower-back issue that limited his playing time in 2024. Hayes, a former Gold Glove winner, struggled with doubts during his recovery last fall but now feels optimistic about his progress.
While Hayes acknowledges he may never be completely pain-free, he is confident that he can return to a high level of performance. He understands the importance of his role on the team, emphasizing the need to drive the ball and contribute to the Pirates’ success.
Following advice from Dr. Robert Watkins in Los Angeles, Hayes focused on strengthening his core muscles to alleviate pressure on his back. Despite initial skepticism, he committed to the challenging exercises and adjusted his daily activities to reduce his symptoms.
The Pirates are counting on Hayes to regain his form and support the team alongside standout rookie Paul Skenes. Hayes aims to showcase his defensive skills and power at the plate, which were lacking in his injury-plagued 2024 season.
Determined to stay healthy and make a significant impact, Hayes has reworked his swing and adopted new techniques to improve his game. The Pirates are optimistic that a return to his previous form will greatly benefit the team moving forward.
However, he is not getting ahead of himself by any means. Returning to the field is one challenge, but remaining there is a whole different ball game. The extensive daily routine prescribed by Watkins demands a significant amount of time and dedication. Through his experiences over the past year, Hayes has come to understand that he cannot simply expect to wake up one day with his back feeling completely fine and believe that his troubles are behind him. He now realizes that this may never be the case.
“I am fully aware that there will be a substantial amount of effort required moving forward,” he expressed. “But it is my responsibility to embrace this challenge.”
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