Yankees: Aaron Hicks will miss Opening Day due to back injury

The Yankees were hopeful that Aaron Hicks would be able to play on Opening Day, but with his back issue still lingering he’s running out of time to return to the lineup. With less than two weeks to go until the opener, Hicks won’t be able to get enough reps to fully prepare so it’s likely he’ll spend the first series of the season on the injured list.

This is another tough blow for the Yankees after it was already announced that both Luis Severino and CC Sabathia would start the year on the IL as well. CC is only expected to miss a start or two but the news for Sevy is much worse. Brian Cashman announced he won’t return until May at the earliest from his rotator cuff inflammation, but that might be wishful thinking considering he still hasn’t resumed his throwing program.

As for Hicks the Yankees finally conceded on Sunday that he won’t be in the lineup to open the season hosting the Orioles, but they’re hopeful he’ll be back for the Tigers series starting April 1st.

Hicks started feeling discomfort in his back on March 2nd and since the injury, he’s received two cortisone shots, including the latest one on Sunday. The Yankees want to make sure that this is something that doesn’t linger into the season so even though Hicks believes he’ll be back for the second series of the season there’s no need to rush him back.

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With Hicks out to start the year that could mean both Greg Bird and Luke Voit will be on the Opening Day roster. Giancarlo Stanton is expected to spend more time in left field now that Hicks is out so either Voit or Bird could take some of his at-bats at DH to start the year. Brett Gardner who’s been red hot this spring will take over as the starting center fielder until Hicks returns.

Clint Frazier still might make the team to give the Yankees another outfield option but he’s battling for a roster spot with utility man Tyler Wade who has had a much better spring. If Hicks’ injury was more of a long term thing Frazier would probably win the final roster spot but since he’s not expected to miss much time I expect Wade to be on the team instead. He’s earned that opportunity.

The Yankees will enter the season a little banged up with some key contributors out, but they have the depth to overcome these injuries and start the year off strong. They’re as deep a club as you’ll find in all of baseball and they still have plenty of guys healthy who can carry the team and help make up for the absences of guys like Hicks, Sevy and Didi Gregorius.