New York Yankees: Aaron Hicks doesn’t want Tommy John surgery

New York Yankees, Aaron Hicks
Sep 11, 2018; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Hicks (31) in the third inning against Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Aaron Hicks had a crazy season this year with the New York Yankees. After having a pretty good start to the season, he went down in August with an elbow injury and was expected to undergo Tommy John surgery. He was taken off the roster and it seemed like he was done for the season.

Hicks thought differently.

Watching his team demolish the Minnesota Twins in the ALDS, he began throwing and wanted to play again. He worked his way back onto the roster and was in the lineup for some of the games in the ALCS.

Manager Aaron Boone made it clear to Hicks following Game 6 that he noticed and appreciated Hicks’ brave return to the playoffs.

Now that the New York Yankees’ season is done, Hicks could now receive the surgery he needs. But he doesn’t think he needs it.

“Right now, it feels all right,” said Hicks following Game 6 of the ALCS. “For me right now, I don’t see myself having Tommy John. I was throwing the ball around pretty well. So I don’t think so.”

It’s possible that Hicks is one of those select few that could just heal with time and not with surgery. Masahiro Tanaka had a similar issue with his elbow in 2014 and healed with rehab rather than surgery.

If Hicks were to undergo Tommy John surgery, he would most likely miss the beginning of next season. Fans remember when shortstop Didi Gregorius got the surgery following the 2018 ALDS and missed the first two months of the 2019 season.