Aaron Hicks has been tearing up opposing pitchers at Triple-A Rochester and he’s finally getting rewarded for his hot hitting.
Rochester Red Wings manager Mike Quade told the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle that Hicks was called up by the Twins and will join the team in Detroit for Tuesday’s series opener.
“A no-brainer, really,” Quade said.
Shane Robinson has been placed on family emergency list. Aaron Hicks takes his 25-man roster spot. #MNTwins
— Mike BerardinoNDI (@MikeBerardino) May 12, 2015
In 150 career games at the big-league level, Hicks has disappointed with a batting average barely above the Mendoza line (.201), the Star Tribune reports. But after collecting two hits on Monday the 25-year-old center fielder boosted his average to .336 this season.
Through 27 games, he leads the International League in runs (21); he’s second in slugging percentage (.561), extra-base hits (16) and triples (4).
https://twitter.com/AaronGleeman/status/597946313376923648
Hicks’ hot hitting warranted a call up earlier this season when Oswaldo Arcia hit the disabled list, but the Twins passed on him in favor of Eddie Rosario.
Hicks’ previous attempts to stick with the Twins were failed, but this will be his first time with the big club since he added a “leg kick” to his swing.
“Now I have a leg kick on both sides that I use for timing and it’s been working out and awesome,” Hicks explained, per the Democrat and Chronicle. “Feels good to go up there feeling the way I do right now. The only thing now is just to do it there and help the team win games.”
If Hicks can keep sizzling at the plate he’ll be a pleasant addition for a Twins team that has been a pleasant surprise in the American League Central.
