Yankees need an alternative plan after Aaron Hicks injury

Yankees center fielder Aaron Hicks is in the midst of a career year but is now headed for the DL. Manager Joe Girardi said they would try and speed up the return of Jacoby Ellsbury.

During the Yankees 7-6 loss to the Rangers, Aaron Hicks felt pain in his right leg. After his second at-bat, Hicks was noticeably in pain after running out a single. He was removed from the game after the half inning. Hicks will be on the DL for at least 3-4 weeks, according to the team.

Hicks is having the best season of his career and is hitting .290/.398/.515 with ten home runs, and 37 runs batter in. He has been a solid member of the team’s batting order, filling a void that Ellsbury went down on May 24.

Jacoby Ellsbury has been on the DL since suffering a concussion over a month ago, after crashing into the wall chasing down a fly ball. Ellsbury has just begun a rehab assignment with the AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Railriders.

Video courtesy of the YES Network

Ellsbury has just eight at-bats during his short two-game rehab stint. He has three hits in this eight at-bats, including two doubles and two RBI. Ellsbury also has swiped one bag.

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Yankees skipper Joe Girardi has said that the injury to Hicks may cause Ellsbury to get back to the big league club quicker than anticipated. With Tyler Austin being named the everyday first baseman, Mason Williams looks to be the guy to take over until Ellsbury returns.

Ellsbury was having a solid season before winding up on the disabled list. He was hitting .281/.349/.422 with four home runs, and 14 runs batted in. He also has eight stolen bases and scored 19 times.

The organization also has mega prospects Clint Frazier and Dustin Fowler in AAA, both playing very well. It doesn’t make sense for the club to call either up for a few games when Williams has been playing well, and Ellsbury will be back sooner than anticipated.

Yankees patient approach will save the season in July, or sink it in June

If the Yankees can start winning again, we will see them transform into a super team over the next few weeks. They will prove themselves patient predators.

On June 26, The Yankees transferred Aaron Hicks to the 10-day DL and activated Jacoby Ellsbury from the 7-day concussion DL. From all indications, it looks as if Ellsbury is going to be back starting in centerfield for the Yankees.