Hicks (back) remains day-to-day, MLB.com's Rhett Bollinger reports. When asked about Hicks' status, manager Ron Gardenhire didn't appear pleased, as his outfielder apparently arrived at the ballpark just two hours before game time. Earlier this season, Hicks received criticism due to his lack of preparation, so this is yet another strike against the 24-year-old. There's still plenty of future potential here, but after batting just .209 over the 2014 season, Hicks' maturity issues seem to be the larger concern.

Hicks (back) is not in Sunday's lineup against Cleveland, MLB.com reports. He's day to day and it's not clear when he'll return.

Hicks (back) was a late scratch for Saturday's game, Twins manager of baseball communications Dustin Morse reports. Hicks was dealing with a stiff back during batting practice and will ultimately stay in the dugout Saturday. He will be replaced by Eduardo Nunez in left field.

Hicks went 2-for-5 with two RBI on Friday against the Angels. Since Hicks' September 1 call-up, he's now picked up three starts going 4-for-13. The young outfielder should continue to see action down the stretch as the Twins have nothing to fight for but pride.

Hicks will be recalled from Triple-A Rochester prior to the Twins' game Tuesday vs. the White Sox, MLB.com's Rhett Bollinger reports. The 2014 season has been a tumultuous one for Hicks, who won the starting center field job for the Twins in spring training before he fell all the way back to Double-A New Britain and briefly considered giving up switch-hitting. The 24-year-old no longer looks like a short-term option in center field with Danny Santana thriving in the role, nor a long-term option with top prospect Byron Buxton waiting in the wings. As a result, look for Hicks to see limited use in September, and perhaps at risk of losing his spot on the 40-man roster in the offseason.

Hicks was promoted to Triple-A Rochester on Tuesday, Brandon Warne of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports. After opening the season with the Twins, Hicks' playing time dwindled until he landed on the concussion disabled list in early May. He continued to struggle at the plate until landing on the DL again in mid-June due to a sore right shoulder, precipitating his placement at Double-A New Britain, where he remained upon his activation. An improved batting eye -- he slashed .371/.465/.657 with one homer, six RBI, nine runs, and seven walks versus four strikeouts in his final 10 games at New Britain -- induced the bump up to Rochester, and if he continues to rake against more advanced competition, he could soon make a return to the big club.

Hicks isn't likely to be called up to the majors in the short term after the Twins acquired Jordan Schafer off waivers as many in the organization want to see him thrive at Triple-A first, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Twins activated OF Aaron Hicks from the 15-day disabled list; optioned him to Double-A New Britain. Hicks' shoulder injury kept him from being sent down earlier, so it's no surprise that he's been assigned to the minors now that he's healthy. The fact that he was sent to Double-A is probably just because he was already rehabbing there. He should be up to Triple-A Rochester shortly. Hicks is hitting only .198/.338/.262 this season with the big club.

Aaron Hicks (shoulder) batted left-handed during a rehab game with Double-A New Britain on Saturday. Hicks said last month that he was done switch-hitting and would focus on batting only from the right side of the plate, but apparently he's had a change of heart. The 24-year-old has hit just .180/.262/.281 versus righties in his career compared to a .238/.350/.416 line against lefties. However, he's hit only .173/.299/.222 against righties while batting right-handed.

Aaron Hicks (shoulder) is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment Wednesday with Double-A New Britain. Hicks should be ready to return early next week. He's been out since June 8 with a shoulder strain.