Short Absence Expected for Yankees' Aaron Hicks After Shin Injury

Yankees outfielder Aaron Hicks exited last night's ball game with a right shin contusion after fouling a ball off his leg.

X-rays and a CT scan came back negative for a fracture, which is great news for Hicks and the Yankees.

By video, our team of Pro Baseball Docs never expected the X-ray and CT scan to reveal a fracture because of the part of the leg he fouled the ball off of.

Aaron Hicks Injury Update

Typically, foul balls off the shin do no result in a fracture. By video, Hicks fouled the ball off the inside of his right leg.

There's not much muscle protecting the tibia bone in that area of the leg, but the tibia is much thicker than the fibula – which is located on the outside part of the leg.

The tibia is much harder to fracture, which is why our team of Pro Baseball Docs expect Hicks to return after a short absence.

Hicks' injury was painful no doubt and there will be swelling and bruising, but he has a chance to avoid a 10-day IL stint, especially with the All-Star Break beginning Monday.

The 32-year-old may be rested through the All-Star Break, but that will depend on swelling and pain tolerance, according to the Pro Baseball Docs.

Hicks is hitting .237 with 6 home runs and 26 RBIs in 76 games this season. The Yankees currently have a 14-game advantage over the Rays in the AL East.