Among the Yankees’ injuries this season, the one suffered by center fielder Aaron Hicks was perhaps the most problematic. The Bombers announced last week that Hicks would undergo surgery to repair his injured left wrist, a procedure that could sidelined him for the whole season.
The Bombers have adequate replacements all over the roster, but Hicks’ ailment and long-term absence means that 37-year-old outfielder Brett Gardner will be required to take regular at-bats as the starting center fielder. It’s certainly not a dream scenario, and it’s a lot to ask the veteran to be an everyday stalwart at this point in his career.