Orioles adding Austin Hays to expanded roster

The Orioles won't wait to start outfielder Austin Hays' service clock.

Hays is headed to Camden Yards to join the Orioles, according to multiple sources. They'll need to place him on the 40-man roster.

The organization figures to choose Hays as its minor league Player of the Year after he batted a combined .329/.365/.593 with 32 doubles, five triples, 32 home runs and 95 RBIs in 128 games.

Hays appeared in 64 games with Single-A Frederick and batted .328/.364/.592 with 15 doubles, three triples, 16 home runs and 41 RBIs. He also played in 64 games with Double-A Bowie and hit .330/.367/.594 with 17 doubles, two triples, 16 home runs and 54 RBIs.

The Baysox qualified for the Eastern League playoffs, but the Orioles are bringing Hays to Baltimore. He could be placed on the roster later tonight or Wednesday.

Hays had to leave a July 23 game in Bowie after fouling a ball off his face and opening a cut above his eye, the only mishap for the outfielder.

The Orioles selected Hays, 22, in the third round of the 2016 draft out of Jacksonville University. He appeared in 38 games with short-season Single-A Aberdeen and batted .336/.386/.514 with nine doubles, two triples, four home runs and 21 RBIs

With Craig Gentry on the 10-day disabled list with a fractured right middle finger, Hays gives the Orioles an extra outfielder as they attempt to secure a playoff spot.

A player will need to come off the 40-man roster to accommodate Hays.

Hays is one of five finalists for Baseball America's national minor league Player of the Year. The winner will be announced on Fridaty.

Meanwhile, the Orioles don't intend to activate shortstop J.J. Hardy from the disabled list today.

For the Yankees
Brett Gardner LF
Aaron Judge RF
Starlin Castro 2B
Didi Gregorius SS
Matt Holliday DH
Greg Bird 1B
Todd Frazier 3B
Jacoby Ellsbury CF
Austin Romine C

CC Sabathia LHP