Yankees’ Aaron Hicks injury update: Arm strength close, but inconsistent

NEW YORK — In 2016, Yankees center fielder Aaron Hicks wowed with a 105.5 mph throw.

While Hicks feels ready to play now, it sounds like it might be a while before his cannon right arm reaches full strength post-Tommy John surgery.

On Saturday, Hicks said his rehab following the October procedure has gone well, but that he’s still trying to regain consistent velocity.

“Right now, some come out, some don’t,” Hicks told reporters on a conference call following the Yankees’ first workout of the rebooted spring training at Yankee Stadium.

“It’s just inconsistent with throwing. When you don’t have to worry about it, it always comes out the same. But coming back from Tommy John, there are just days where it just doesn’t come out. You’re trying to throw as hard as you can. You’re trying to throw to a certain speed and it’s just not coming out.”

Hicks has been hitting, throwing and taking fielding practice.

He said he’s been told it’s not unusual for players recovering from Tommy John to battle arm strength woes.

“One-hundred percent?” Hick said. “From what I hear, it takes a while to completely be 100%. But I feel really good right now, I feel game ready right now, to be able to compete and be able to consistently be out there in the outfield to play good defense and to try to help my team win.”

The Yankees hope Hicks, who’s among the game’s best all-around center fielders when he’s right, can be ready for Opening Day on July 23 or 24.

“I feel good,” Hicks said. “I feel like my hitting’s been going well. Throwing’s been going well. Every day, I get stronger and stronger. Obviously, I have days where I don’t feel great. But overall the process has been really good and really quick. I’ve been able to throw longer and been able to throw the ball a little bit more harder, more consistently as my progression has been going on. I’ve been able to lift more heavier weights. Everything’s just been going really well.”

Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust.

Brendan Kuty may be reached at bkuty@njadvancemedia.com. Tell us your coronavirus story or send a tip here.

———

©2020 NJ Advance Media Group, Edison, N.J.

Visit NJ Advance Media Group, Edison, N.J. at www.nj.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.