Apr 4, 2023; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees left fielder Aaron Hicks (31) reacts after grounding into an out during the eighth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
MLB: Philadelphia Phillies at New York Yankees
(New York, NY) – It’s been a difficult start to the 2023 season for Yankees outfielder Aaron Hicks, but he’s not hiding from criticism. The boo birds have been out at Yankee Stadium, and Hicks has heard it from the Bronx faithful, as he’s gone 0-for-7 with three strikeouts so far.
Tuesday night’s loss to the Phillies proved especially brutal, as fans lustily booed during each unsuccessful at bat. Hicks got a reprieve on Wednesday when he was benched for the series finale. Still, Hicks is staying accountable and not lashing out against the fans.
He responded to the fans’ unhappiness by saying “I understand it 100 percent. Right now, I’m focusing on myself and trying to get off to a hot start and just play baseball and have fun.”
The Bronx cheers are ok with him too. “It comes with it,’’ Hicks explained. “You’ve got to produce. If you’re not producing, you get those kinds of result… I know I can get back to where I want to be.”
Yankees Manager Aaron Boone echoed the same.
“I think he’s through that phase where it could be a little overwhelming and uncomfortable,’’ Boone said. “He just wants to move forward. … The biggest thing is to control the moment and [go] pitch-by-pitch. I feel like he did a good job of that the last two weeks of spring training.”
Regardless of his manager support, it’ seemingly possible that when Harrison Bader returns from his oblique injury, Hicks will become the odd man out in the Yankees outfield rotation.
The Bombers (4-2) open a three game set in Baltimore on Friday.
