DUNEDIN, Florida – Aaron Hicks, centerfielder for the New York Yankees, was removed from the lineup for Game 1 of Monday’s series against the Toronto Blue Jays at TD Ballpark in the wake of riots in Minneapolis after the Daunte Wright shooting on Sunday evening.
During his media availability in the pregame, manager Aaron Boone said that designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton also considered staying out of the game, but that the slugger would play on Monday-evening.
“With everything that’s happening in Minneapolis, he’s going through a rough time right now,” Boone said. “I had a talk in my office and he thought it was better not to be in the starting line-up tonight. And I definitely support him and we will try to accompany him as best we can. Minneapolis. And I think Aaron especially got through it. “
“To talk with [Giancarlo Stanton] briefly so we’ll see where that leads, ”added Boone. [el entrenador de bateo] Marcus [Thames]A lot of this has happened since I got here … I didn’t find out what had happened or the news reports until late this morning, so I’m just coming here and trying to digest it all. “
Wright, a 20-year-old black man, died Sunday after a police officer shot him in a suburb of Brooklyn Center during a traffic stop.
The Minnesota Twins postponed Monday’s game against the Boston Red Sox in the aftermath of the shooting.
Hicks was the first round of the Twins in 2008 and was the franchise’s top minor league prospect before debuting in 2013. The Twins exchanged Hicks for the Yankees in 2015 for backup catcher John Ryan Murphy.
[Hicks] He probably came to see me an hour ago. I think it has been a difficult day for him, understandable and emotional. I think he felt it would take a lot for him to get out tonight, and he probably thought it was best to keep him out of the lineup, ”Boone said. I can only do my best to provide that support and let you know that I am here for him, and I understand how he feels. “
Hicks, Stanton, Boone and Aaron Judge were among the group of over 100 players, coaches and managers who donated a portion of their salaries to The Players Alliance, a group of active players and former MLB players created to combat racial inequality .
Stanton and Hicks were also the only two Yankees players to kneel during the national anthem early last season in the wake of growing social justice concerns.
In response to some criticism of Hicks for not playing, Boone said his only concern was the welfare of his players and that he supported his decision.
“I would say Aaron is suffering tremendously, and somehow he felt it was probably the one responsible for moving forward knowing it was going to be difficult for him to be mentally involved in what is a big risk. job of going out and acting for the New York Yankees, “Boone said.” Things that happen in society and in our culture are spilling over into sports and these guys have rightly been given more and more a platform to express themselves. . And I certainly support their right to do so. “