New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Hicks has said he feels ready to come back in time for the ALCS, but should the Yankees even consider activating him?
After the intense sweep of the Minnesota Twins, the Yankees have some serious decisions to be made. One of the most respected guys in the clubhouse in Brett Gardner has been playing extremely well and has been manning the center field position. Usually, the position belongs to Aaron Hicks, and it seems as if he is ready to go.
What do the Yankees do? Gardner batted third in the ALDS and had some timely hits and played great defense. Do the Yankees ride the hot hand and let Gardner resume his role in center field? I certainly believe so. Hicks would need time to get acclimated to the speed of the game and there is no time for trial and error in the ALCS. Going with the veteran that has poured his heart and soul into this team year in and year out seems like the wise move.
Knowing how important Hicks is to this team, I can see where there might be some hesitation to not bring him back. Overall, Cameron Maybin has been a more than capable fourth outfielder as he has played defense for Stanton and has an insurance home run in the ninth inning of the clinching ALDS Game Three. Aaron Hicks might be on the roster if there is a World Series appearance for this Yankees team. Instead, why let him come back to further injure his elbow? It seems as if the elbow was a real concern because of all the time he missed.
I expect the Yankees to be cautious in this situation and keep him off the postseason roster as a whole. The Yankees would have to be in desperation mode to bring him along or if they felt like he gives them the best chance to win. Voit was the starting first baseman for the majority of the year but hasn’t seen any postseason action yet. DJ has assumed that spot because the Yankees believe it is the best chance to win.
Hicks at the moment does not give them the best chance to win and I am totally on board with not giving him the nod to be on the ALCS roster.