MILWAUKEE -- After missing the Reds' last six games with back spasms, left fielder Austin Hays appeared nearly ready to return.

“I’m feeling really good the last two days," Hays said Sunday morning.

Ahead of Game 162 vs. the Brewers, Hays was hitting off a velocity machine and doing running and throwing. If he still felt good, he could be an option off the bench for manager Terry Francona.

“Yesterday I hit during the game," Hays said. "I felt good to take an at-bat if I needed to. I’ll do the same thing again today.”

Should the Reds advance to the postseason by earning the final National League Wild Card spot , Hays was optimistic he would be available to be included on the roster for the best-of-three Wild Card Series against the Dodgers, which would begin Tuesday night in Los A

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