The New York Yankees swept Wednesday’s doubleheader against the Minnesota Twins at Yankee Stadium, getting two much-needed victories in what is shaping up to be an exciting race for the AL East with the Tampa Bay Rays and the Toronto Blue Jays.
The Yankees, in the second half, have been that boxer who is clearly woozy after a huge knockdown, but refuses to go down for good: they are still clinging to their five-game lead over Tampa despite some lousy play after the break.
One of the reasons why they have struggled so badly is Aaron Hicks‘ performance.
The outfielder has been one of the most disappointing players on the roster for the Yanks.
He had a rare good moment on Wednesday night, though, in the second game of the set.
In the bottom of the eighth frame, Hicks doubled with the bases loaded and cleared them up.
He Had Been Ice-Cold In The Last Month
According to MLB statistician Katie Sharp, it was his first extra-base hit since July 9.
Aaron Hicks: 1st extra base hit since July 9
— Katie Sharp (@ktsharp) September 8, 2022
Yes, you read that correctly: he went almost a month without hitting even a double.
Clearly, the Yankees will need much more from Hicks if they want to have a real chance at advancing in the playoffs.
They can’t give a starting role to a guy who has hit .213/.329/.296 with a lousy .625 OPS in the 2022 season.
Hicks’ decline has really affected the Yankees, and despite last night’s timely extra-base hit, he is yet to show any real, sustained signs of breaking out of his funk.
The Yankees badly need to get healthy in order to avoid being forced to give Hicks ample playing time.
It’s just not happening for him this year.
NEXT: The Yankees Continue To Completely Own The Twins
Hicks just doesn’t have it anymore The Yankees could have given Hick’s duties to Gardner and would have probably fared better.