Yankees activate Aaron Hicks from disabled list

The reinforcements have started to arrive.

On Thursday afternoon, the Yankees activated center fielder Aaron Hicks from the 10-day disabled list. As a corresponding move, the team designated Shane Robinson for assignment.

Hicks, 28, played in just one game this season before hitting the disabled list with a strained right intercostal muscle. “It’s frustrating spending the offseason trying to prevent something like this,” the center fielder told Erik Boland of Newsday. “I just want to play.” Now he’ll get his chance, as Hicks is back in the lineup. He’s batting sixth and serving as designated hitter.

The switch-hitter had a strong, albeit injury shortened, campaign in 2017. He posted a .266/.372/.475 batting line with 15 home runs in 88 games. Prior to the season, it appeared that Hicks was poised for a breakout year. Hopefully this injury was just a speed bump in an otherwise strong season.

To make room for Hicks on the roster, the Yankees designated Robinson for assignment. The 33-year-old journeyman played in two games for the Bombers this season. He collected a hit and a stolen base in an otherwise uneventful tenure. Good luck trying to remember him on the Sporcle quiz.

With Hicks back, it’s possible the Yankees are turning the corner. Playing at full strength would go a long way for the club. At the very least, it gives Aaron Boone a lot more flexibility now.