Aaron Hicks sidelined with torn tendon sheath, could need surgery

The Yankees were dealt a blow to their lineup today, after manager Aaron Boone announced that Aaron Hicks is out with a torn tendon sheath in his left wrist. The center fielder’s timeline to return isn’t set in stone yet, as the team is simply holding him out for now and offering a vague list of outcomes — Hicks could return this weekend, end up on the Injured List, or require surgery.

Hicks has had a sluggish start to this season, posting a .194/.294/.333 slash line with four home runs and 14 RBI. The outfielder started a medication regiment on Thursday, but it’s unclear how long he has been playing through this discomfort. Hicks has had a lengthy injury history, playing in more than 100 games only twice in his eight prior MLB seasons — he also missed time during the 60-game 2020 season as well.

The injury that Hicks sustained is similar to one that Mark Teixeira suffered in the 2013 season. Teixeira, also a switch-hitter, sustained his torn sheath playing in the World Baseball Classic prior to the start of the season. Teixeira managed to return by May, but re-injured himself in June and was lost for the season.

Hicks’ absence leaves the Yankees in a tricky spot roster-wise. They traded fifth outfielder Mike Tauchman last month to the Giants, believing that there wasn’t enough playing time for him to warrant his spot on the roster. Now the team is down a starter indefinitely, with not much MLB-ready depth down in the minors to back up the regulars. Estevan Florial — who made a brief, one-game MLB debut before heading back down to the alternate site last year — has been promoted to Triple-A for the first time in his career. The team could be gearing him up for a return to the majors, or he could replace someone like Trey Amburgey should they receive a call-up instead.

There should be a clearer timeline for Hicks in the coming days, but for now all we can do is wait and see. The Yankees are playing their cards close to their hands with this injury, and there’s no simple answer for what to do should Hicks be out long term.