Aaron Hicks didn’t play for the Yankees for the third straight game for the fourth time this season.
First, he took paternity leave. His hamstring tightened the second time. After fouling a ball off his shin the third time, he needed a few days off.
This time, Hicks might not get to play in the outfield as often as he used to.
After a tough game on Monday, both offensively and defensively, Hicks has not yet made another start. With the call-up of center fielder Estevan Florial on Wednesday, who is expected to get at least some regular playing time, Hicks’ role seems to have changed. This is the latest turn in his disappointing season.
Before Thursday’s 9-2 loss to the Blue Jays, manager Aaron Boone discussed Hicks’ role following the promotion of Estevan Florial. Florial was hit by a pitch and scored a run. Not playing today could change in 24 hours depending on circumstances, opportunities, and competition.
Hicks was given one of these opportunities on Wednesday against the Rays when he came in to replace Isiah Kiner-Falefa at the plate to start the ninth inning of a game that was tied 4-4 at the time. The patient switch-hitter gave reliever Ryan Thompson eight pitches before striking out. As he walked back to the dugout, he heard another steady stream of boos.
Boone said that he used Hicks as a pinch-hitter because Thompson was good against right-handed pitchers and they needed a base runner, not necessarily a hit. Even though Hicks has had trouble hitting all season, he has the third-best on-base percentage (.338) on the team.
Boone said it was an “easy call” late Wednesday, but on Thursday he said that may have been a quick answer and that he did consider the people involved. Hicks’s confidence seemed to be hurt Monday when he struck out in key situations at the plate and made a mistake in center field.
Since the Yankees acquired center fielder Harrison Bader at the trade deadline, it has been clear that Hicks’ time with the team is numbered, despite the fact that he still has 3 years and $30.5 million left on his deal after this season. Florial’s promotion from Triple-A on Wednesday only solidified that impression. Bader will be out until September due to an injury.
After missing most of last season because of wrist surgery, Hicks has also had a bad offensive year and, according to FanGraphs, has saved minus-five defensive runs in center field. Despite the fact that he has three DRS in left field, the Yankees decided to trade for Andrew Benintendi so that he could play there almost every day.
Due to the fact that the Yankees have called up Florial for his most recent stint, it will be difficult for Hicks to find playing time in the future. This is because Florial may get his best chance for regular playing time after having a successful season at Triple-A.
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