Hicks Making Good Progress in Triple-A Rehab Stint
![TAMPA FL- MARCH 2: New York Yankees second baseman Starlin Castro (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) TAMPA FL- MARCH 2: New York Yankees second baseman Starlin Castro (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/144d6ffb95f8a0bd27944d34695f343097e2b0012c9bb9b5af1381143b5a352d.jpg)
Aaron Hicks is ready to get back to New York. His recent rehab stint in Triple-A is showing great progress for him to get back for the playoff heat.
After a month or so on the DL with a right oblique injury, New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Hicks is in the middle of a 10-day rehab assignment with the Scranton Wilkes-Barre RailRiders.
He’s made tremendous progress in the four games he’s played so far, making a mid-August return to the Yankee lineup a real possibility for Hicks.
Hicks is 4-for-14 with three runs scored, an RBI and a .286 average in five games with the Triple-A affiliate. His slugging percentage is at .500, along with a .333 OBP and .833 OPS.
More from New York Yankees
- Last Chance Caesars Promo: Claim $1,250 Bonus for ANY MLB Bet!
- Caesars New York Promo Code Gives TWO Chances to Win Betting on Your Yankees!
- PointsBet New York Promo: FIVE $100 Bonus Bets to Back the Yankees or Mets!
- Caesars NY Promo: $1,250 Bonus to Celebrate the Return of Judge!
- Get $500 in Bonus Bets to Back Yankees or Mets With PointsBet New York Promo
Hicks also has stolen a base, hit one double and hit a triple in Saturday night’s 7-1 win over the Pawtucket Red Sox that scored second baseman Jonathan Diaz for his lone RBI.
A return to the lineup appears to be imminent for Hicks as long as he gets through this assignment healthy, and it could provide a big boost to to the Yankees and more options for Joe Girardi.
The Yankee offense hasn’t scored over three runs in six consecutive games, and Hicks could provide a jolt of energy throughout the batting order if he plays as well as he did before the oblique injury. The 27-year-old was hitting .290 with 10 home runs and 37 RBI with a .913 OPS.
Hicks’ return to the lineup will give Girardi more flexibility and depth throughout the lineup. He can give his outfielders more rest with an extra body in Hicks, or use him as a DH, especially since Matt Holliday is now on the 10-day DL.
On the other hand, his return could lead to Frazier being sent down with Jacoby Ellsbury still on the roster, and with the rookie struggling as of late and Ellsbury putting together quality at-bats, that decision may be a little easier now than it was just a week ago.
Next: 2018 New York Yankees 40-Man Roster Series: 40-Man Roster Locks
Aside from his play at the plate, Hicks will bring gold glove-caliber defense back to the Yankees, who have struggled in the field as of late. After a game chalk-full of errors on Friday night, his zero errors this season will be a welcome sight in both left and centerfield.
With a little less than two months to go in the regular season, Aaron Hicks can be the catalyst that helps lead the Yankees to a postseason birth. After all, he was in plenty of all-star conversations for a reason.