Hicks, a switch-hitter who lost out to slugging phenom Aaron Judge for the starting job in right field, came into the game 9-for-28 with four home runs and nine RBIs.
It wasn't just sitting Hicks "but trying to keep Hicks going, too," Girardi said. "Jacoby [Ellsbury] is swinging the bat really well, he's trying to keep Hicks going. He's played extremely well. I'm gonna rotate those guys like I've said all year long. Stay with your hot hands a little bit."
Signs of improvement
Friday, first baseman Greg Bird pulled two foul balls that ended up whacking the Pirates Charities sign atop the right-field bleachers.