The New York Yankees can’t afford to have any more injuries, especially with star relief pitcher Michael King suffering a fractured right elbow. It is still undetermined if King will need Tommy John surgery, which would significantly lengthen his rehabilitation.
Aside from King, the team is slowly getting healthier, with Ron Marinaccio returning to the active roster on Sunday. The Yankees didn’t utilize him, but he was available if need be.
However, the Bombers dodged another injury bullet with outfielder Aaron Hicks, who recently fouled a ball off his right shin, resulting in a bone contusion. Luckily, Hicks returned just a few days later instead of requiring extended time.
During Sunday’s game, though, Hicks hobbled to first base, leaving the game promptly. After the game, manager Aaron Boone indicated that Hicks was just cramping, dodging any significant injury or muscle issue.
Just cramping for Aaron Hicks, according to Aaron Boone.
— Bryan Hoch ?? (@BryanHoch) July 24, 2022
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The Yankees are finally getting the best version of Aaron Hicks:
Hicks has completely turned his season around the past few weeks. On the year, he’s hitting .238 with a 36% on-base rate, six homers, and 30 RBIs. He hosts a 21.7% strikeout rate and 15.4% walk rate, showcasing his usual patience.
In the month of July, Hicks his batting .314 with a 45% on-base rate and .588 slugging percentage. He’s hit three homers with 12 RBIs over 51 at-bats, striking out just 11 times.
Following the All-Star break, manager Aaron Boone is trying to get some of his more prominent players the necessary rest to get through the season.
Giancarlo Stanton is reportedly exhausted, despite winning the MVP in the All-Star game. Having traveled around and taken a small break, Stanton was deserving of a few days off. Unfortunately, the Yankees have lost three of their last five games, meaning they need Stanton in the lineup every day once again.
Aaron Boone said that he sensed Giancarlo Stanton was “a little exhausted” going into the All-Star break. Stanton is available off the bench again today.
— Bryan Hoch ?? (@BryanHoch) July 24, 2022
On the year, Stanton is hitting .228 with a 30% on-base rate, 24 homers, and 61 RBIs. His batting average is down significantly, but he’s still crushing baseballs with a 53% hard-hit rate, 21% barrel rate, and 95.1 mph of exit velocity on average.
Every game is nerve-racking for this Yankee team who needs desperate reinforcement at the deadline and has been dealing with adversity the last few weeks.