Aaron Hicks was absent from Tuesday’s lineup following an off day for the Yankees, and Aaron Boone may give the struggling outfielder another day off on Wednesday to work through what has been a brutal slump to begin the season.
“I might give him today and potentially tomorrow, just a couple days to take a step back and get some of the proper work and adjustments that he wants to make,” Boone told reporters before Tuesday’s season opener against the Braves. “Just taking it day to day right now.”
Hicks has managed just eight hits in 50 at-bats this season, good for a .160 batting average, and as the consistent No. 3 hitter in what is supposed to be a stacked lineup, the Yanks need much more out of Hicks if they are to climb out of their nightmare 5-10 start. Boone still believes Hicks will have a big role in turning things around.
“If we’re going to be the team we expect to be, Aaron Hicks is going to be right in the middle of that and play a huge role for us,” Boone said. “Nothing has changed in my mind other than he’s one of the guys that’s gotten off to a slow start and would benefit from a day off, maybe two. Nothing has changed as far as what I believe Aaron is going to be for us this year and how important he’s going to be for us this year.”
Hicks’ offensive struggles appeared to leak into his normally stable defense in Sunday’s loss to the Rays, perhaps contributing to Boone’s decision to give him extended time off. For now, Clint Frazier, Mike Tauchman and Brett Gardner will share outfield reps alongside Aaron Judge.
Boone told reporters that Hicks would be in the lineup if it were up to him, but Boone decided to give him more time.
“I think there’s a part of him that just wants to play through it, and I totally get that,” Boone said. “But there’s also, with Gardy and wanting to get Tauchman some reps too…while also getting Aaron a chance to step back and work with Marcus and PJ…I think sometimes when you go through a little bit of a struggle, a little step back or an exhale can kind of help you reset.”
Frazier also was left out of Tuesday’s lineup, another struggling outfielder who labored through a rough day in the field on Sunday. Frazier hasn’t been the everyday left fielder to this point, like many expected, but Boone remained committed to getting Frazier steady playing time.
“I really am confident that he’s going to come out and have a really big year for us and along with the rest of the guys, eventually get it clicking,” Boone said. “He’ll probably be right back in there tomorrow.”
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