Aaron Hicks
OF FA
Fri 3/15/19 11:39 AM

HIcks (back) may not be ready by Opening Day according to general manager Brian Cashman, Randy Miller of The Newark Star-Ledger reports.
EDGE Analysis
Hicks himself said Friday that he expects to be ready by Opening Day, but the team evidently feels differently. Should he require a trip to the injured list, a path would open up for both Luke Voit and Greg Bird to make the Opening Day roster, with one filling a designated hitter role, pushing Giancarlo Stanton to left field and Brett Gardner to center. Alternatively, Clint Frazier could spend time as the team's starting center fielder.

Aaron Hicks
OF FA
Fri 3/15/19 8:51 AM

Hicks said Friday that his back is feeling "much better," and he is confident he will be ready for Opening Day, Jack Curry of YES Network reports.
EDGE Analysis
Hicks has not appeared in a game since March 1 and is not in the lineup Friday, but he apparently feels in a good place after receiving a cortisone shot Monday. Hicks' optimism certainly bodes well for his chances of playing in the Yankees' season opener, but he's likely going to have to resume playing in games soon to get back into playing shape and avoid opening on the injured list.

Aaron Hicks
OF FA
Tue 3/12/19 1:13 PM

Hicks had a cortisone shot in his back Monday, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.
EDGE Analysis
Hicks hasn't played in over a week due to back stiffness. He feels better after the shot and remains not particularly concerned about his readiness for Opening Day, though it will still be a few more days before he's ready to resume baseball activities. If he's not good to go for the start of the year, an opportunity could open up for Clint Frazier.

Aaron Hicks
OF FA
Sat 3/9/19 5:16 PM

Hicks (back) will visit a doctor Monday, James Wagner of The New York Times reports.
EDGE Analysis
Hicks has been held out of games since Sunday due to back stiffness. He's been receiving treatment and has been feeling better but is still experiencing some discomfort. The Yankees' conservative approach with the injury-plagued outfielder means that a trip to the injured list is possible should Hicks' absence continue for an extended period.

Aaron Hicks
OF FA
Fri 3/8/19 3:35 PM

Hicks (back) is likely to be held out through Monday's off day, James Wagner of The New York Times reports.
EDGE Analysis
Manager Aaron Boone indicated Thursday that Hicks had "significantly improved" and was eyeing a return this weekend, but will instead remain out until Tuesday's game against the Orioles, at least. The 29-year-old resumed swinging a bat but still has some discomfort as he continues to nurse a stiff back.

Aaron Hicks
OF FA
Thu 3/7/19 12:12 PM

Hicks (back) is hoping to return to the lineup this weekend, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.
EDGE Analysis
His lower-back stiffness has significantly improved, according to manager Aaron Boone. Hicks will likely do some throwing and hitting Thursday in preparation to return to game action at some point in the next several days.

Aaron Hicks
OF FA
Tue 3/5/19 4:10 PM

Hicks remains unconcerned about his back injury but isn't expected to return to batting practice for several more days, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.
EDGE Analysis
Hicks underwent an MRI which didn't reveal anything to worry about. He still has plenty of time to rest a few more days without significantly hurting his preparation for the upcoming season, so at this point it doesn't appear that an early-season trip to the injured list will be necessary.

Aaron Hicks
OF FA
Tue 3/5/19 8:58 AM

Hicks (back) is not in the lineup for Tuesday's spring game against the Braves, according to Lindsey Adler of The Athletic.
EDGE Analysis
Hicks was hoping to be able to play in Tuesday's contest, but he will instead get another day to give his sore back some rest.

Aaron Hicks
OF FA
Sun 3/3/19 12:52 PM

Hicks is out of the lineup for Sunday's split-squad games due to back stiffness, Ken Davidoff of the New York Post reports.
EDGE Analysis
Hicks apparently started experiencing the back stiffness following Friday's game and did not take part in batting practice Sunday. The 29-year-old isn't undergoing any tests and indicated he was feeling better, and hopes he'll be able to return to the lineup after the off day Tuesday against the Braves.

Aaron Hicks
OF FA
Mon 2/25/19 9:17 AM

Hicks and the Yankees agreed Monday on a seven-year, $70 million contract extension, Jack Curry of YES Network reports.
EDGE Analysis
Hicks, who was in his final year of arbitration and was slated to become a free agent over the winter, will now serve as the Yankees' everyday center fielder for the foreseeable future after reaching a long-term pact with the club. After a rocky start to his major-league career in Minnesota, Hicks has tapped into his full potential over the past two seasons in New York, slashing .255/.368/.470 (127 wRC+) over that span.