ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - The St. Louis Cardinals have announced pitcher Jordan Hicks has decided to not participate in the 2020 MLB season due to "pre-existing health concerns."
The team did not elaborate on what exactly the health concern is.
Hicks posted a message on Twitter:
"After much thought and consideration I have decided to Opt out of the 2020 season. I'd like to thank the Cardinals and my teammates for their support in my decision. I look forward to being apart of winning a World Series in 2021 for Cardinal Nation and using my platform to create more awareness for teh diabetic community. #type1strong #Diabetic Phenom"
Related: Cardinals to host Royals in exhibition game at Busch Stadium on July 22
2020 Season❗️❗️❗️ pic.twitter.com/zxLiq7d7Gc
— Jordan Hicks (@Jhicks007) July 13, 2020Hicks is a Type 1 diabetic.
Jordan Hicks has opted out of the 2020 season, citing pre-existing health concerns. pic.twitter.com/WjNhHaDqHy
— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) July 13, 2020"We respect and understand Jordan's decision to opt out this season," stated Cardinals' President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak. "We wish him well as he continues his recovery from elbow surgery, and we look forward to seeing Jordan back on the mound for the 2021 season."
Hicks, 23, appeared in 29 games last season (2-2, 3.14 ERA & 14 saves) before his 2019 campaign was ended. Hicks' career mark stands at 5-6 with a 3.47 ERA and 20 saves in 102 games.
If it were a normal season, Hicks was expected to miss much of the 2020 season after having Tommy John surgery in June of last year.
Hicks is the reigning hardest thrower in baseball. He regularly threw over 100mph in 2018 and last season before the surgery. His fastest pitch is 105.1.
104 AND 105 MPH??Good luck hitting Jordan Hicks' fastball ----(via @MLB) pic.twitter.com/YqPA1Wkty4
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) May 20, 2018© 2020 KMOX (Entercom). All rights reserved
