Yankees' Hicks bothered by not starting: 'I have no idea what my role is'
Outfielder Aaron Hicks hasn't started a game this season and said he's unsure what his role is on the New York Yankees after being placed on the bench in favor of Isiah Kiner-Falefa for Sunday's contest against the San Francisco Giants.
"I have no idea what my role is," Hicks told The Athletic's Brendan Kuty after Kiner-Falefa, an infielder throughout his career, got the start in center field.
"It's kind of uncertain."
Hicks appeared to fall out of favor with the Yankees last season after hitting .216/.330/.313 with 40 RBIs and 10 steals in 130 games. He also went hitless in the American League Division Series against the Cleveland Guardians and didn't play against the Houston Astros in the ALCS.
The 33-year-old, who had been a steady presence in the Yankees lineup over the years when healthy, seemed to rediscover some of his old form in spring training (.293/.408/.390). However, that hasn't led to playing time, as he's received just one at-bat this season.
"I just want to play," Hicks said. "I don't want to come off the bench and face closers all day. I want to play the field, I want to play every day, and it's just what I want to do. I want to start. I really don't know what else to say."
Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Hicks is "going to play," adding that he's just waiting for the right situation to get the veteran outfielder some reps.
Hicks is under contract until 2025 with a club option for 2026. He's still owed $29.5 million on the deal.