The New York Yankees will continue their postseason campaign into the ALCS following their destruction of the Minnesota Twins in the ALDS.
Aaron Hicks, who’s been on the injured list since August dealing with a flexor strain, is hopeful that he’ll be considered to be on the ALCS roster.
“Yeah, he is very much a consideration,” manager Aaron Boone said on Hicks. “He’s here today actually. We’re hoping to have some sim-game stuff going on with a couple of our pitchers. He did a lot of hitting and what not. He’s good physically. Obviously hasn’t had the kind of reps or games that you’d like, but he has certainly put himself in the position to be considered.”
Hicks has been throwing and hitting the past few days and has made good progress in his rehabbing. The New York Yankees are considering his addition to the roster but have not decided yet.
The switch-hitting center fielder wants to be considered for a roster spot. He told the Associated Press that he’s “definitely ready to go and play” for the ALCS.
The 30-year-old slashed .235/.325/.443 with 12 home runs and 35 runs batted in during the regular season.
For C.C. Sabathia, the left-hander was ruled out for the ALDS after shoulder issues. However, Sabathia threw on Wednesday showing signs of improvement. Aaron Boone was encouraged by the way he threw.
“CC did throw today and frankly looked really good,” said Boone. “I was really excited about how he looked. He was sharp, he was really able to finish his pitches. I think he’s feeling considerably better than he was this time last week certainly. I would say he is now an option for us as well and somebody that we’re considering. We’ll see how he bounces back tomorrow from his session today.”
If Sabathia were to return, Boone alluded to that the veteran would be having a bullpen role. More specifically, a multi-inning outing is unrealistic for Sabathia.
“I could certainly see him in there in a lane where he’s facing three or four hitters. Possibly an inning-plus, something like that. I think the biggest thing is evaluating where he is.”