New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Hicks pulled himself out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Toronto Blue Jays due to the emotional distress he is feeling over the shooting of a Black man in the Minneapolis area.
Hicks was slated to play center field and bat sixth for the game at Dunedin, Fla. But he informed manager Aaron Boone that he was unable to play due to the fatal shooting of Daunte Wright by a police officer in Brooklyn Center, Minn.
"Aaron is hurting in a huge way," Boone told reporters. "And, I think in a way, felt it was responsible thing to do to take himself out, knowing that it was going to be hard for him to be all in, mentally.
"My consideration is with Aaron and his well-being and making sure the best we can, we support him and be there as best as we can right now."
Boone said that Giancarlo Stanton also considered sitting out the contest due to the shooting. However, Stanton eventually opted to play.
Hicks has connections to the Minneapolis area. He played his first three seasons for the Minnesota Twins (2013-15).
Hicks is batting just .129 with one homer and five RBIs in eight games this season. This is his sixth campaign with the Yankees.
Mike Tauchman drew the start in center field in place of Hicks.
Brooklyn Center police chief Tim Gannon said the shooting of Wright was "accidental," and that the female officer meant to use a Taser and not her handgun.
--Field Level Media