Aaron Hicks

New York Yankees: Big players are finally returning

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New York Yankees, Aaron Hicks

The New York Yankees have received some excellent news in the past week. As far as injuries are concerned, all of the key pieces are expected to make a full recovery in September/October. With Edwin Encarnacion and Luke Voit back in action, the healing process continues to brighten spirits and leave New York Yankees fans excited for October.

Aaron Hicks

Hicks, who was placed on the 10-day IL with a right flexor strain back in early August, is the only player who might not make a return until early October. Aaron Boone has elected to play his cards carefully and is taking the healing process one step at a time. The last thing Boone needs is another player rushed back onto the baseball diamond with a risk of turning the situation into a disaster, especially this close to the postseason.

The good news? Hicks resumed throwing activities and progressed sufficiently through rehab on Tuesday. The bad news? The infamous injury bug might prevent his return until early October. While Hicks may not be as productive as other players, he is still essential for the team’s success in October. Out of 96 plate appearances in the month of July, he produced a .259 AVG, .344 OBP, .529 SLG, .363 wOBA and a 126 wRC+. Although his defensive numbers haven’t been as sharp compared to the 2017 season, Hicks can still cover a massive amount of terrain and has the ability to create some spectacular catches.

Dellin Betances

Betances, who is dealing with a right lat strain, is expected to be out until at least September 14. He was seen throwing to live hitters on Tuesday, which included Clint Frazier, Giancarlo Stanton, and Tyler Wade. Boone is quite thrilled with his progress and was asked on the matter recently. “I thought he looked really good. It was really exciting today. Just to see him throw the ball the way he did,” said Boone.

Since his time in the majors, Betances has been an extremely reliable reliever for the New York Yankees. In 66.2 inning pitched last season, he acquired a 2.70 ERA, 2.47 FIP, 1.95 xFIP, and a 1.05 WHIP. His strikeout percentage was outstanding, walk percentage was adequate and limited the long ball to a minimum. Betances and Luis Severino will both pitch with Double-A Trenton Thunder this Friday, which is excellent news.

Giancarlo Stanton

Stanton, who is recovering from a knee injury, is excepted to be out until at least September 6. He was involved in a live hitting exercise with Betances on Tuesday. Stanton will be heading to Single-A to acquire more live at-bats this weekend with the Tampa Tarpons. Just as Boone was impressed with Betances and his recovery, he believes Stanton is presenting some “momentum” and should be back with the Yankees relatively soon.

Although Stanton has been injured for most of the season, he will be an absolute treat in the batter’s box come October. In 705 plate appearances last season, he drove in 38 HR and 100 RBI, slashing a .266 AVG, .343 OBP, .509 SLG, .360 wOBA and a 127 wRC+ in the process.

Gio Urshela

Urshela, who is recovering from a groin injury, is expected to be out until at least September 8. Urshela ran today and might have the opportunity to play this Sunday vs the Boston Red Sox. Assuming the injury bug remains invisible, everything should resolve itself in the end.

Urshela has been an absolute wrecking ball with his magical bat this season. In 414 plate appearances, he has collected 18 HR and 67 RBI. He also possesses a ridiculous .331 AVG, .370 OBP, .555 SLG, .383 wOBA and a 140 wRC+ with a 3.0 fWAR. In 400 plate appearances, Urshela is in the top 25 for AVG, SLG, wOBA, and wRC+.

Luis Severino

Severino, who has been recovering from a right lat strain, is expected to be out until at least September 7. Just like Betances, Sevy is scheduled to pitch a live game in Trenton this Friday. Last Sunday, Sevy toed the slab with Triple-A Scranton Wilkes-Barre Railriders. In 1.0 inning, he allowed 3 hits, 2 runs and struck out 2 batters on 33 pitches. Sevy was excited about the performance, comparing the opportunity to “getting into a room where a lot of candy is.”

In 191.1 inning pitched last season, Sevy accumulated a 3.39 ERA, 2.95 FIP, and a 1.14 WHIP. He also acquired a 10.35 K/9, 2.16 BB/9 and a 0.89 HR/9 through which all add up to excellent and sufficient numbers.

New York Yankees have difficult decision to make in the outfield

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New York Yankees, Cameron Maybin

With the New York Yankees heading into the back end of the regular season, difficult decisions loom for manager Aaron Boone. Specifically, in the outfield, the Yankees are stacked with talent and potential for the playoffs.

Finding the right players, however, is the tricky part. Aaron Judge, Aaron Hicks, and Brett Gardner will all be postseason players. Beyond those starting three, the Yankees and Boone need to make several difficult decisions based on who will provide the most value and efficiency at the plate.

Injuries have plagued the team this season, which has forced regular starter Giancarlo Stanton out for a majority of the campaign. He will likely be the designated hitter for the playoffs if he can manage to return in time.

As a whole, the outfield has been as productive this season as last, when it was one of the majors’ best. With a .835 OPS of 2019 compared to .812 last year, the unit is not only productive at the plate but also defensively.

Adding the likes of Cameron Maybin and Mike Tauchman have allowed the Yankees to experiment with different combinations of players and avoid significant fatigue to their primary starters. Maybin and Tauchman have a combined .853 OPS and 3.5 wins above replacement in 504 plate appearances.

Boone will have a difficult decision to make when it comes to choosing between the two journeyman players. The former is a better base runner and is just as talented on the defensive side of the ball, but Tauchman is a lefty and provides the lineup with a bit more diversity.

Throw in the likes of Clint Frazier, and Boone might not be sleeping much for the next several weeks. Frazier, who is had a tough time staying at the major league level with attitude issues, still has offensive value despite his defensive woes.

Gardner will likely retain his spot for the postseason given his veteran leadership and ability to come in clutch. Hicks, who has been dealing with injuries throughout the season is the primary centerfielder and will also earn a spot.

The final outfield spot will likely come down to Maybin and Tauchman — I favor Cameron simply because he offers more in every facet of the game than Mike. Stanton will be the obvious choice to hold over the left-field position if he can play defense, but he is looking like the penciled in designated hitter once he returns.

New York Yankees: Aaron Hicks Begins Throwing Program

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New York Yankees, Aaron Hicks

New York Yankees’ slugger Aaron Hicks suffered an elbow injury several weeks ago which caused him to miss most of August and probably most of September. There was a concern that Hicks would need surgery which would have ended his season. However, there’s been recent progress that shows Hicks is on his way.

Hicks was cleared to begin a throwing program last Friday. “I think there’s just a little more things I gotta do to prepare to get ready to throw. I think on Monday is when I’ll actually start throwing” said Hicks. When asked about having any idea on when he’ll return, Hicks said, “That I don’t know.” There’s no timetable on a return at this time.

The 29-year-old is confident that he’ll return. Following the Yankees loss to the Oakland Athletics earlier this week, he said “It feels really good right now. I’m really confident I’ll be back, for sure.”

Aaron Hicks has been a huge impact in the New York Yankees offense this season. Fans remember his unbelievable home run during the Yankees crazy 14-12 win over the Minnesota Twins earlier this season. Also notable for his defense, his play to end that game is arguably the best catch of the season.

Hicks is currently batting .235 with 12 home runs and 36 runs batted in. He’s signed to a sever-year/$70 million contract with the New York Yankees.

Other players currently on the injured list are Dellin Betances, CC Sabathia, and Gio Urshela. Luis Severino is on the return and so is Edwin Encarnacion.

 

New York Yankees: Hicks, Voit, and Encarnacion Injury Update

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New York Yankees, Luke Voit

The New York Yankees just sent their 28th man this season to the injured list with Thairo Estrada’s hamstring injury. The following players have missed significant time however have been making recent progress in their rehabbing.

Aaron Hicks

Out with a right flexor strain, Aaron Boone said that Aaron Hicks still won’t throw for another week. However, progress can move quickly after he starts throwing. Boone has said, “He feels normal. He feels good. Again, it’s something we’re trying for, being conservative with because of the close proximity of the UCL, but he’s been responding well to all of his therapy.”

With no major setbacks and all progress with his rehab, Hicks should be set to return around early-to-mid September.

Luke Voit

Luke Voit was sent to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Railriders to complete full workouts and is set to begin playing games tomorrow. Here you can see Voit taking full swings during BP:

Voit mentioned that he is feeling back to 100% and he thinks he won’t need surgery until maybe the offseason. If all goes well in Scranton, Voit could find himself back in pinstripes in the nearing weeks.

Edwin Encarnacion

After being drilled in the hand similar to Aaron Judge’s last season injury, Edwin Encarnacion is still weeks away from beginning baseball activities. He said that he’s “feeling better” however he’s far back in the rehabbing process. Originally being placed on the 10-day injured list, Encarnacion looks like he will return in three-to-five weeks, most likely being a full five.

New York Yankees: Aaron Hicks Dodges Major Bullet

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New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Hicks hits a home-run against the Tampa Bay Rays.

New York Yankees center fielder Aaron Hicks has dodged a major bullet on the injury front.

Hicks was removed from the nightcap of Saturday’s split doubleheader with an apparent elbow injury. He fired a ball back into third to try to prevent a runner from tagging, and did so successfully but hurt his arm in the process.

The way that Aaron Boone was talking after Saturday’s game didn’t sound good, saying he was getting an MRI on Sunday. The thought of Tommy John surgery came up, but it was shut down after the MRI results emerged.

Hicks will rest for 7 to 10 days before being reevaluated. If all goes well, he would then begin a throwing and rehab program to try and get back on the active roster before the end of the regular season.

Fans on twitter were hoping that if Hicks went on the IL, Clint Frazier would be recalled. However, that wasn’t the case and they instead took JA Happ off the paternity list (which was bound to happen).

Hicks hasn’t been stellar on offense, batting around .230. But his impact will be greatly missed on defense and on the base-paths.

A Comeback Only Capable By The 2019 New York Yankees

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Entering the top of the sixth inning against the Baltimore Orioles on Monday, things were looking bleak for the New York Yankees. JA Happ struggled again, giving up six runs in less than four complete innings.

Trailing 6-1, a new life emerged in the Yankees. By the ninth inning, the Yankees had taken a 10-7 lead.

How it happened

Starting with first and second with nobody out in the sixth, Gary Sanchez picked up an RBI single and Kendrys Morales scored a run on a grounder to short.

Luis Cessa would give up a run in the bottom of the inning, but the Yankees came back with two more in the seventh. DJ LeMahieu had an RBI single and Hicks brought in a run on a flyball.

The Yankees only scored one in the eighth, but it was a big one, putting them within one. Gleyber Torres hit his second solo-shot of the game, the other coming in the second.

Trailing 7-6 entering the ninth, the Yankees needed a final push, and they scored four to take a three run lead. They took advantage of a few defensive miscues, including a misread pop-up to Baltimore catcher Pedro Severino that landed in foul territory.

After Aaron Hicks hit a sacrifice fly to tie the game, Luke Voit was walked before Gary Sanchez teed off on an inside fastball for a three-run homerun.

Only 2019

What a comeback! This is something only capable of the 2019 New York Yankees. With the amount of injuries sustained, they Yankees are using it as motivation to keep winning.

It’s also a great way to start off the road trip. Starting out a road trip with a win builds momentum, especially in a tight division. The Red Sox won on Monday, and the Rays were off.

With three games left against the Orioles, the Yankees have a one game division lead that they will try to increase. The more breathing room the better.

Go Yankees!

 

New York Yankees: Aaron Hicks Already Making a Difference

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New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Hicks hits a home-run against the Tampa Bay Rays.

The New York Yankees are getting back key players one-by-one from the injured list.

The New York Yankees signed center fielder Aaron Hicks to a four-year, $40 million extension this offseason in hopes of him being their leadoff hitter and consistent defenseman for years to come.

A stiff back plagued his pre-season and forced him out until this past weekend. Manager Aaron Boone had stated weeks ago that Hicks was ready to begin playing but they wanted to take extra precaution to ensure he was 100% ready to return to normal activities.

The New York Yankees finally gain reinforcements:

Missing the first 40 games of the season will surely limit his statistical output this season, but he has already smashed his first home-run, coming against the Tampa Bay Rays in a 13-5 route that reclaimed first place in the division.

Hicks started his first three games of the year 0-for-8 and currently has a .188 batting average. As he stated, “sometimes timing takes time.”

It will take a few weeks for Hicks to return to form after missing so much time, but his influence as not only the leadoff hitter but a familiar face on an injury-plagued team will be significant. He’s a leader, consistent player, and veteran that can help corral the team when the doors fly off the hinges.

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Luckily, the negative possibilities haven’t hit the Bombers yet as they sit at a 28-17 record, the fourth-best record in baseball on the backs of a team full of reserve players that have elevated their game.

Without Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, Luis Severino, Dellin Betances, James Paxton, Miguel Andujar, and more, it’s astonishing as to how the team is still afloat. However, gaining Hicks back is a huge positive and will prove to be impactful right off the bat (pun intended).

Boone commented on Hick’s returning to form after the win on Sunday afternoon:

“He’s kind of finding his way a little bit,” manager Aaron Boone said. “Saw the walk today, which is such a big part of his game and obviously the power to go with it. We’re starting to see him settle in a little bit and hopefully today is the day that starts to get him going.”

After hitting 27 homers in 2018, he will be looking to harness his power once again and heighten the Yankees’ offensive efficiency.

 

New York Yankees: Aaron Hicks Activated, Loaisiga To The IL

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New York Yankees, Aaron Hicks

Prior to Monday evening’s scheduled game against the Baltimore Orioles (weather dependent), the New York Yankees announced a series of roster movements. Aaron Hicks was activated from the IL, and Mike Tauchman was sent to AAA. Additionally, Jonathan Loaisiga was placed on the IL, and Chance Adams was recalled from AAA.

Healthy Hicks

Aaron Hicks is healthy and ready to go on Monday. He is batting leadoff and playing center. Hicks picked up three hits, including a home run in his final rehab game on Saturday for Scranton. He was scheduled to play Sunday as well, however that game was rained out.

As expected, Mike Tauchman was sent to AAA as the corresponding move for Hicks. Tauchman, bat .213 over 89 at-bats for the Yankees. He drove in 12 runs and went yard four times. Tauchman also drove in the Yankees first run in the team’s 7-1 victory over the Rays on Sunday with a double off the wall in center. He now joins the likes of Tyler Wade, Mike Ford, and Nestor Cortes Jr. as recent travelers on the “Scranton Shuttle”

Down goes Loaisiga

Jonathan Loaisiga was expected to pitch on Monday against the Orioles, but was placed on the 10-day IL with a shoulder strain. Instead, Luis Cessa will “start” Monday, and team called up Chance Adams and is in the bullpen. I quote the word “start” because it may be possible the Yankees are doing a bullpen game.

Hopefully, they don’t have to deal with this for very long and Paxton can be back soon. He resumed baseball activities just days after he was injured, so hopefully he can be on the mound again soon.

New York Yankees Injury Updates: Hicks’ Return, Judge Timetable, and More

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New York Yankees, Aaron Hicks

As the weeks go on, the New York Yankee’s main guys are starting to roll back in off the injured list. Yankee fans are anticipating the return of these players.

New York Yankees: Aaron Hicks preparing to make a return

Homering in his last triple-A game in his rehab assignment, Aaron Hicks will be returning to the Yankees’ roster Monday. He will most likely not be in the starting lineup but he will definitely be on an option on the bench.

Aaron Judge

Aaron Judge obtained an oblique injury on April 20th and has not resumed any baseball activities yet. It seems he will not return until late May or early June. However, manager Aaron Boone said, “[Judge] is making good improvements every day.”

Giancarlo Stanton

Injuring his bicep in early April, Giancarlo Stanton was taking steps back in the recovery process. After injuring his bicep, he obtained a shoulder injury during rehabbing. Stanton said that he believes the shoulder injury came from the bicep strain. The Yankees management believes that he will not be in the lineup anytime soon. It is worth noting however that Stanton was throwing before the Mariners game on Wednesday night. Stanton has also been working out at the minor league complex, where he was taking swings in the cage and doing some fielding work.

Didi Gregorius

Last season following the playoffs, it was announced that Didi Gregorius was to undergo Tommy John surgery. Gregorius has been rehabbing ever since the procedure and recently is making very positive progress. YES Network’s Meredith Marakovits talked with Didi yesterday prior to the game where he said, “I’m feeling pretty good, getting there, almost ready to go.” Gregorius has been traveling with the team and has been fielding groundballs, taking swings, and throwing consistently. His return is expected in the next few weeks, most likely in early June.

Dellin Betances

Dellin Betances (shoulder) was throwing a flat-ground at 60 feet before yesterday’s game and said to be feeling good. Betances has been traveling with the team and following their return to New York, he will begin to throw at 75 feet. He is making a positive improvement, but will not be returning anytime soon.

Luis Severino

General manager Brian Cashman confirmed that Luis Severino will not return until after the All-Star break. He is currently in a six-week shutdown, and will not be throwing until late May or early June. Once healthy again, Severino will most likely be given a multi-start rehab assignment before being reinstated to the active roster.

Greg Bird

Greg Bird (foot) is no longer wearing a boot but is still walking with pain. With a left plantar fascia tear, it seems Bird is not close to making a return anytime soon.

 

New York Yankees: Aaron Hicks Should Be Ready This Weekend

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New York Yankees, Aaron Hicks

The New York Yankees believe that centerfielder Aaron Hicks should be ready to be activated this weekend.

Hicks, 29, hasn’t played at all this season. He was placed on the IL during spring training due to back issues.

Last season, Hicks hit .248 with 27 home runs and 79 RBIs. In 2017, Hicks bat .266.

In three games with the Tampa Tarpons, Hicks is 0-for-11, but nobody is really concerned. Most times, players struggle in their rehab assignments just because they are rusty and are used to faster pitching with pitches that have even more break.

Who will depart?

We believe that it will most likely be Mike Tauchman who departs, going to AAA on the next “Scranton Shuttle”.

Tauchman was acquired from the Rockies in the final week of Spring Training. He has a .203 average with 11 RBIs and four home runs in his time as a Yankee, starting a good portion of games thus far. Most of his time was spent in left-field. If he does indeed go down, Brett Gardner can shift back to left to make room for Hicks in center.

It’s unlikely that it would be Cameron Maybin to go, his average sits at .321 and is a seasoned outfielder, in the big-leagues since 2007.

It’s great news that players are beginning to get healthy again, and the Yankee lineup is finally not looking like a Railriders lineup. Giancarlo Stanton should be the next Yankee to return, hopefully in a few weeks.