DUNEDIN, Florida – New York Yankees center fielder Aaron Hicks was pulled out of lineup for Monday’s first game of the series against the Toronto Blue Jays at TD Ballpark, following riots in Minneapolis after the shootout police against Daunte Wright Sunday night.
During his availability in the media before the game, manager Aaron Boone said designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton was also considering staying out of the game, but that the toletero ended up playing on Monday night.
“With everything that’s going on in Minneapolis, he’s going through a tough time right now,” Boone said. “I had a conversation in my office and he felt it was better not to be in the starting eleven tonight. And I certainly support him and we will try to join him as best we can. Obviously the situation is poignant right now. in Minneapolis. And I think it has especially affected Aaron. “
“I spoke with [Giancarlo Stanton] briefly, so we’ll see where that leads, “Boone added.” I talked a bit with [el entrenador de bateo] Marcus [Thames]. A lot of that has developed since I’ve been here … I didn’t know until late this morning about what had happened or the news reports around, so I’m just getting here and trying to process it all. ”
Wright, a 20-year-old black man, died Sunday after a police officer shot him in the Brooklyn Center suburb during a traffic stop.
The Minnesota Twins postponed Monday’s game against the Boston Red Sox following the shootout.
Hicks was the Twins’ first-round pick in 2008 and was the franchise’s best minor league prospect before debuting in 2013. The Twins traded Hicks to the Yankees in 2015 for alternate receiver John Ryan Murphy.
“[Hicks] come see you probably an hour ago. I think it’s been a tough day for him, understandably and emotionally. I think he felt it would cost him a lot to go out tonight, and he probably just thought it was better to keep him out of lineup, “Boone said.” All I can do is try my best to offer that support and let him know I’m here for him, and I understand how he feels. ”
Hicks, Stanton, Boone and Aaron Judge were part of the group of more than 100 players, coaches and managers who donated part of their salaries to The Players Alliance, a group of active players and former MLB players formed to combat racial inequality. .
Stanton and Hicks were also the only two Yankees players to kneel during the national anthem early last season amid growing concerns for social justice.
Addressing any criticism of Hicks for making the decision not to play, Boone said his only concern was the well-being of his players and supporting his decision.
“I would say Aaron is suffering in a huge way, and somehow he felt he was probably responsible for moving forward knowing that it was going to be hard for him to be mentally involved in what is a big risk, It’s a job hard to go out and act for the New York Yankees, ”Boone said. “The things that happen in society and in our culture move into sport and these guys, rightly, have increasingly gained a platform to be able to express themselves. And I certainly support their right to do that.”