Hicks (forearm) was activated from the disabled list Friday, MLB.com's Rhett Bollinger reports. Hicks was previously expected to return at the start of the week, and he'll finally make it back to the majors for Friday's game against the Royals. Byron Buxton (thumb) isn't expected back until late July or early August, but Hicks may have to compete with Danny Santana for playing time in center field.