Aaron Hicks declares himself pain-free, but still dealing with 'chronic' back issues

Outfielder will miss Opening Day, next test is swinging

3/19/2019, 6:57 PM
Oct 9, 2018; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees center fielder Aaron Hicks (31) reacts hitting a pop out during the third inning against the Boston Red Sox in game four of the 2018 ALDS playoff baseball series at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports / Brad Penner
Oct 9, 2018; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees center fielder Aaron Hicks (31) reacts hitting a pop out during the third inning against the Boston Red Sox in game four of the 2018 ALDS playoff baseball series at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports / Brad Penner

Aaron Hicks had a second cortisone shot in his back over the weekend, and he declared himself pain-free Tuesday. 

The next step for the outfielder, who has already ruled himself out for Opening Day next week, told reporters the next step in his rehab process will be to take swings without any pain. 

After Hicks' first cortisone shot, the pain dissipated but returned when he started taking cuts again. This time around, he wants to be sure that same issue won't repeat itself. 

Hicks also shed more light on the nature of how the injury occurred. The official diagnosis, he said, is "chronic back pain" that flared up following a bus ride to Lakeland, Florida. The 29-year-old admitted to not warming up before swinging in the cage, per The Athletic's Lindsey Adler, and the pain progressed from there. 

The Yankees signed Hicks to a seven-year, $70-million extension last month. 


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