Aaron Hicks (concussion) could be sent to Triple-A Rochester to get some at-bats before returning to the Twins. Hicks has been increasing his activity in recent days and hasn't had any setbacks, but the Twins might prefer to ease him into game action in the minors. He's eligible to be activated from the DL on Friday.

Aaron Hicks (concussion) played catch and did some light hitting on Monday. It's certainly an encouraging sign. Hicks left last Thursday's game with a concussion but has obviously made some progress. It's too soon to tell whether he'll be ready for activation on Friday, the first day he's eligible.

Twins placed OF Aaron Hicks on the 7-day concussion disabled list. The Twins said that Hicks' removal from Thursday's game was precautionary, but obviously the concussion symptoms were bad enough that a DL stint was required. It's not clear at this point how long he'll be sidelined. Sam Fuld will handle center field while Hicks is out.

Aaron Hicks left Thursday's game against the Dodgers with concussion-like symptoms. The Twins are saying that the outfielder's exit was precautionary, so it sounds like he could avoid the concussion disabled list. Hicks will be re-evaluated before a call is made.

Aaron Hicks hit his first homer of the year -- a three-run shot off Heath Bell -- and walked twice against the Rays on Thursday. An important game for Hicks, what with Sam Fuld starting off his Twins career in such excellent fashion. Hicks must hit or face loses playing time.

Twins' No. 8 hitter Aaron Hicks went 0-for-4 in Thursday's win, dropping his average to .170. Hicks has walked nine times in 47 at-bats, but he's not making any sort of case to move into the leadoff spot yet. Maybe that will come later. As is, he's just fighting to stay in the lineup.

Twins manager Ron Gardenhire indicated Thursday that Aaron Hicks will begin the season batting eighth in the lineup. That's where he's hit in five of the past six Grapefruit League games. "I don't want Hicks thinking. I just want him down there swinging, not worried about where he's at," Gardenhire said. The Twins will go with Brian Dozier in the leadoff spot for now, though it's possible Hicks could eventually moves up if he hits well.

Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said on Sunday that Aaron Hicks will "probably" be Minnesota's starter center fielder. "Hicksie is probably going to be in center," he said. "He's running the ball down pretty good." On Wednesday, Twins assistant general manager Rob Antony expressed irritation with both Hicks and Alex Pressley for not stepping up to seize the center field competition during spring training. Whether there was a correlation or not, Hicks spent the past few days destroying the ball, impressing with his defensive range, and perhaps running away with the CF job for good. At least, that is, until Byron Buxton arrives in the Twin Cities.

Aaron Hicks singled, walked and stole a base Wednesday against the Cardinals. He scored the Twins' only run of the game. Hicks missed time earlier this spring with a sore elbow, but he's outplayed Alex Presley while healthy. He's hitting .286 with a homer and a couple of doubles in 28 at-bats. As unimpressive as Presley has been, it's possible Hicks will be the Twins' Opening Day center fielder and leadoff hitter.

Twins assistant general manager Rob Antony, in an interview in which he lamented players not stepping up and seizing a starting spot, specifically referenced the center field competition. "Hicks hasn't been anything special this spring. Neither has (Alex) Presley," Antony said. "There's your centerfield battle." The executive used that as an example after saying: "I wish somebody would step up and earn a job. Nobody's really doing that." Manager Ron Gardenhire, under truth serum, might be prone to going on a similar rant about the evaluators that have stocked his roster. It doesn't take two looks at the squad to realize that effort isn't the problem.