Jordan Hicks
YEARTEAMGGSCGSHOWLSIPHitsERSOBBHRERA
2019Firehouse1900033044.03516172643.27
2020Firehouse1700012020.2171161934.79
2023Samurai00000000.0000000.00
2024Samurai4200014148.03725205984.69
2025Samurai00000000.0000000.00
MLB Player Data
DateNewsComment
Jun 30 2025The Red Sox reinstated Hicks (toe) from the 15-day injured list ahead of Monday's game against the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Boston optioned right-hander Zack Kelly (oblique) to Triple-A Worcester to clear a spot on the 26-man active roster for Hicks, who has been cleared to pitch for the Red Sox for the first time since he was acquired from the Giants on June 15. Hicks, who had resided on the IL since June 3 due to right toe inflammation, completed two rehab appearances with Worcester prior to being activated. He'll likely begin his time in the Red Sox bullpen as a middle reliever but could work his way up the depth chart quickly with a few quality performances.
Jun 28 2025Hicks (toe) could be activated from the 15-day injured list in the next couple of days, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Hicks was roughed up in his first rehab outing with Triple-A Worcester this past Sunday, when he allowed two runs on three hits and one walk in two-thirds of an inning. He rebounded Friday by tossing one scoreless inning and allowing one hit and one walk while striking out two batters. He was part of the Giants' trade package to acquire Rafael Devers in mid-June, and Hicks is expected to be a regular contributor to the Red Sox's bullpen once he fully recovers from right big toe inflammation.
Jun 22 2025Hicks (toe) retired two of the six batters he faced and allowed two earned runs on three hits and one walk in his rehab appearance Sunday with Triple-A Worcester. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Sunday's appearance marked Hicks' organizational debut, after the Giants placed him on the 15-day injured list June 3 before trading him to the Red Sox two weeks later. The right-hander didn't look sharp in his return to game action, as he needed 23 pitches (10 strikes) to record two outs and sported a fastball that averaged 95.5 miles per hour, about two ticks below his season average with the Giants. Boston manager Alex Cora previously said that Hicks was on track to return from the IL next weekend, though the 28-year-old's activation could be delayed if he's unable to show much improvement in his next rehab appearance.
Jun 21 2025Manager Alex Cora said Saturday that Hicks (toe) will begin a rehab assignment at Triple-A Worcester on Sunday and has "a good chance" of joining the team next Friday, Tim Healey of The Boston Globe reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Hicks has been on the shelf since June 3 due to right big toe inflammation, but he's expected to begin a rehab assignment before hopefully joining the big-league club Friday. Hicks was traded to Boston as part of the Rafael Devers deal after logging a 6.47 ERA in 48.2 innings with the Giants this season.
Jun 18 2025Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Wednesday that Hicks (toe) will throw a live batting practice session Thursday, Christopher Smith of MassLive.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Cora wasn't sure what the next step for Hicks would be after facing hitters Thursday, though he did indicate the hurler would need a rehab assignment before being activated from the 15-day injured list. Acquired from the Giants in the Rafael Devers trade, Hicks has been shelved since early June with right toe inflammation. He was moved to the bullpen by the Giants in mid-May and presumably will be in line for a relief role in Boston.
Jun 15 2025Hicks (toe) was traded to the Red Sox in a deal that returned Rafael Devers to the Giants on Sunday, Robert Murray of FanSided.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Hicks will head to Boston after being placed on the 15-day injured list June 3 with right toe inflammation. The right-hander has appeared in 13 games, including nine starts, with the Giants this season, posting a disappointing 6.47 ERA and 1.54 WHIP with 43 strikeouts over 48.2 innings on the mound. Left-hander Kyle Harrison also went to Boston in the move, and it appears as if Hicks will remain a bullpen arm moving forward.
Jun 3 2025The Giants placed Hicks on the 15-day injured list Tuesday with right toe inflammation, retroactive to Monday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Hicks has given up two earned runs in 3.1 innings since moving to the bullpen, but he'll now be unavailable for at least the next two weeks due to his toe. Sean Hjelle was recalled from Triple-A Sacramento to fill the open spot on the Giants' pitching staff.
Jun 2 2025Hicks picked up a hold in Sunday's 4-2 win over the Marlins, allowing one earned run on no hits and three walks while striking out one in one-third of an inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander struggled with control Sunday, throwing just six of his 20 pitches for strikes and loading the bases before being pulled. Since being moved out of the rotation in favor of Hayden Birdsong, Hicks has made four relief appearances. During that span, he owns a 5.40 ERA, 1.80 WHIP and a 2:4 K:BB across 3.1 innings.
May 20 2025Hicks allowed one earned run on two hits and a walk over one inning of relief in Monday's 3-1 loss to the Royals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Hicks made his first relief appearance of the season and struggled with control, throwing just seven of his 16 pitches for strikes. The right-hander surrendered two singles and a walk as the Royals extended their lead to 3-1. Hicks has primarily operated in a starting role since signing a four-year, $44 million deal with the Giants in January 2024. However, the 28-year-old has had a rough start to the season, posting a 6.60 ERA, 1.55 WHIP and a 41:17 K:BB with one win and five losses across 46.1 innings over 10 appearances (nine starts).
May 17 2025Hicks will pitch out of the bullpen going forward, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: San Francisco's experiment to use Hicks as a starter hasn't quite gone the way the team had hoped, as the 28-year-old owns a 4.81 ERA in 29 starts since joining the Giants last season. For comparison, he spent the first five seasons of his MLB career primarily as a reliever and logged a 3.85 ERA. Hayden Birdsong will move from the bullpen to fill the rotation spot vacated by Hicks and is due to start Tuesday against Kansas City.
May 14 2025Hicks (1-5) took the loss Wednesday, surrendering five runs on seven hits and a walk over two-plus innings as the Giants fell 8-7 to the Diamondbacks. He struck out one. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Three of the hits off Hicks went for extra bases, including a Ketel Marte solo shot in the first inning and a Lourdes Gurriel double to lead off the third that helped chase the right-hander from the game. It was Hicks' shortest outing of the season after he'd given San Francisco at least five innings in five straight trips to the mound, and Marte's blast was the first long ball he'd served up since April 6. Hicks will carry a 6.55 ERA, 1.52 WHIP and 41:16 K:BB through 45.1 innings into his next start, which lines up to come at home early next week against the Royals.
May 9 2025Hicks (1-4) took the loss Friday against the Twins after allowing three runs on seven hits and no walks in six innings. He struck out six. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It was just the second quality start of the season for Hicks, who also fanned at least six for only the third time in eight starts this season. The hard-throwing right-hander has given up at least three runs in six outings already this year, pitching seven innings on a lone occasion. Hicks will take an underwhelming 5.82 ERA, 1.41 WHIP and 40:15 K:BB over 43.1 frames into his next scheduled appearance versus the Diamondbacks, who ranked fifth in runs scored (191) entering Friday's action.
May 3 2025Hicks allowed three runs on three hits and two walks while striking out seven in five innings against the Rockies on Saturday. He did not factor into the decision. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Hicks limited the Rockies to one walk and one hit over the first five innings but was tagged for three runs in the sixth, and he finished with 11 whiffs and 12 first-pitch strikes while tossing 88 pitches (55 strikes). Hicks' seven punchouts were his most in a start this season, but he has given up at least three earned runs in five of his last six outings and is up to a 6.03 ERA and 1.45 WHIP over 37.1 innings. He's slated to face the Twins on the road next weekend.
Apr 17 2025Hicks (1-2) took the loss Thursday against the Phillies, allowing five runs on six hits and four walks over seven innings. He struck out five. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It looked like it would be a short outing for Hicks, who allowed the first five Phillies to reach base in the opening frame, ultimately allowing five runs. However, the 28-year-old Hicks managed to blank Philadelphia over his subsequent six innings, allowing just one additional hit. While the Giants couldn't overcome the early deficit in an eventual 6-4 defeat, it was an impressive rebound effort from Hicks. The right-hander will carry a 6.04 ERA, 1.39 WHIP and 19:10 K:BB into his next start, tentatively lined up for next week against the Brewers.
Apr 12 2025Hicks (1-1) took the loss Saturday as the Giants fell 8-4 to the Yankees, coughing up seven runs on eight hits and three walks over four-plus innings. He struck out three. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After a strong start to the season, Hicks crashed back to earth in the Bronx as the Yankees scored twice in the first inning before chasing the right-hander from the game as part of a five-run fifth. Hicks got the hook after 94 pitches (55 strikes), but he did at least manage to keep the ball in the park. He'll take a 5.87 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and 14:6 K:BB through 15.1 innings into his next outing, which lines up to be another tough road matchup next week in Philadelphia.
Apr 6 2025Hicks allowed three runs on six hits and a walk over 5.1 innings in a no-decision against Seattle on Sunday. He struck out five in the victory. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Hicks was not as sharp as he was in his 2025 debut. He kept the Mariners' bats in check for the most part but coughed up solo homers to Julio Rodriguez and Cal Raleigh in the first and third innings, respectively. Hicks generated 10 swinging strikes, including five with his sweeper. He's sporting a 2.38 ERA with an 11:3 K:BB through 11.1 frames. Hicks is lined up for a tough matchup in Yankee Stadium next weekend.
Mar 31 2025Hicks (1-0) earned the win Monday versus Houston, striking out six over six scoreless innings. He allowed one hit and two walks. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After a rough Cactus League performance in which Hicks yielded a 5.19 ERA and 1.33 WHIP with 11:5 K:BB over 17.1 innings, the Houston native stymied the Astros over 72 pitches. Hicks threw his patented sinker 48 times and averaged 98.0 mph on the pitch, up significantly from 94.5 mph last season. This performance put to bed any possibility of the 28-year-old being demoted to the bullpen for the time being. Hicks currently lines up to make his next outing against the Mariners at home this weekend.
Mar 14 2025Hicks has made three appearances during Cactus League play, recording five strikeouts, a 9.45 ERA and a 2.40 WHIP across 6.2 innings. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Hicks' struggles continued Friday, during which he gave up four earned runs over 2.2 innings in an 11-5 Cactus League loss to Milwaukee. He allowed five hits, including one home run, and one walk while striking out one batter. The right-hander is expected to stick in the Giants' starting rotation after covering 20 starts and nine relief appearances in his first season with San Francisco. In the 2024 campaign, he posted a 4.10 ERA, 1.45 WHIP and a 96:47 K:BB over 109.2 frames. Landen Roupp, Kyle Harrison and Hayden Birdsong are all competing for the fifth starting spot, which means Hicks could shift to a relief role if his struggles persist into the regular season.
Feb 12 2025Hicks said Wednesday that he added 14 pounds this offseason and is ready to "take the training wheels off" in 2025, Shayna Rubin of the San Francisco Chronicle reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Hicks got off to a nice start last season in his move from the bullpen to the rotation, but he hit a wall and finished with a 4.10 ERA, 1.45 WHIP and 96:47 K:BB over 109.2 frames covering 20 starts and nine relief appearances. The 28-year-old should be better prepared to handle a starter's workload in 2025, but Hicks is a bit of a wild card in terms of his expected performance.
Dec 9 2024Giants president of baseball operations Buster Posey confirmed Monday that Hicks will go back into the rotation in 2025, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It had been the plan and the Giants will not deviate from it even as Hicks struggled to hold up both from a performance and health standpoint in 2024 while making 20 of 29 appearances as a starting pitcher. Hicks finished the year with a 4.01 ERA, 1.39 WHIP and 90:41 K:BB over 98.2 frames during his time in the Giants' rotation. He did finish with 109.2 innings, theoretically better setting him up to handle a starter's workload in 2025.
Sep 20 2024The Giants placed Hicks on the 15-day injured list Friday with right shoulder inflammation, Shayna Rubin of the San Francisco Chronicle reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It's the same injury he returned from less than a week ago and this trip back to the IL will end his season. Hicks' campaign started off promisingly as a member of the Giants' rotation with a 2.33 ERA in his first 11 starts. However, he finished with a 6.10 ERA in his last 18 appearances, getting demoted to the bullpen in the second half in addition to the two IL trips. The Giants plan to put him back into their rotation in 2025.
Sep 14 2024The Giants activated Hicks (shoulder) from the 15-day injured list Saturday, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Hicks landed on the 15-day injured list Aug. 27 due to right shoulder inflammation. He had one rehab outing with Single-A San Jose on Tuesday, when he allowed two unearned runs over two innings while striking out two batters and throwing 27 pitches. Hicks was moved out of the starting rotation to the Giants' bullpen in late July, and in his eight outings since, he's posted a 2.79 ERA and 1.76 WHIP across 9.2 innings.
Sep 11 2024Hicks (shoulder) allowed two unearned runs over two innings in his first rehab appearance with Single-A San Jose on Tuesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Hicks struck out a pair and threw 27 pitches in his first appearance since landing on the 15-day injured list two weeks ago with right shoulder inflammation. It might be the only rehab outing he requires before rejoining the Giants, perhaps as soon as later this week.
Aug 27 2024The Giants placed Hicks on the 15-day injured list Tuesday with right shoulder inflammation, retroactive to Aug. 25. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Hicks surrendered one earned run over two-thirds of an inning during his latest appearance Saturday, though he appears to have come away from the outing with an injury. He'll now be sidelined until at least mid-September, and the Giants will recall Austin Warren from Triple-A Sacramento to replenish their bullpen depth.
Aug 19 2024Hicks allowed two hits in a scoreless inning to earn the save in Monday's 5-3 win over the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Ryan Walker threw 35 pitches Sunday versus the Athletics and was likely unavailable for Monday's contest. This was Hicks' seventh appearance since he moved to the bullpen, and he's kept runs off the board in each of his last six outings. He has previous experience as a closer, but Hicks has added just one save and one hold since losing his place in the rotation. For the season, he's pitched to a 3.85 ERA, 1.40 WHIP and 94:44 K:BB over 107.2 innings across 27 appearances (20 starts). He has given up at least one hit in each of his outings as a reliever this year, so his current success could be short-lived.
Jul 28 2024Hicks allowed two runs on three hits and struck out one over two innings during Sunday's 5-4 win over the Rockies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Hicks' move to the bullpen is likely to be permanent for the remainder of 2024, though he's still stretched out enough to provide some length. He was the fourth of six pitchers the Giants deployed in Sunday's true bullpen game, though his struggles from recent weeks as a starter followed him to his new relief role. The right-hander has allowed 14 runs over his last 15 innings while posting a 15:8 K:BB in that span. He's at a 4.11 ERA, 1.39 WHIP and 91:41 K:BB through 100.2 innings this season, making this the first year he's topped 100 frames in the majors and the first time he's done it at any level since 2017. However, without a rotation spot or a clear path to high-leverage relief work, Hicks' fantasy value is essentially gone in most formats.
Jul 25 2024The Giants are planning to move Hicks to the bullpen and could do so as soon as this weekend, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Hicks made his last start on 11 days' rest but still struggled, yielding four runs on three hits and five walks with seven strikeouts over 3.2 innings in a loss to the Dodgers on Tuesday. He needed 92 pitches to cover his 3.2 frames and admitted again after the outing that his body feels "a little worn down." Hicks could get one more start Sunday, but if that happens he's expected to throw only three innings or so. The right-hander's conversion from reliever to starter began with a bang as he posted a 2.33 ERA and 48:19 K:BB over 58 innings in his first 11 starts. Since then, though, he's managed just a 6.42 ERA and 42:22 K:BB across 40.2 frames covering nine starts. Hicks' 98.2 innings are already his career high by 21 frames. He will move to short relief soon, but the Giants plan to put Hicks back in the rotation in 2025.
Jul 24 2024Hicks (4-7) took the loss Tuesday against the Dodgers, allowing four runs on three hits and five walks while striking out seven over 3.2 innings. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Hicks began the game by striking out Shohei Ohtani and Will Smith but then a hit-by-pitch, a walk and a two-out double from Gavin Lux gave the Dodgers an early 2-0 lead. Hicks was able to get through the next two innings scoreless despite walking three more batters. The Dodgers would then tack on two more runs in the fourth on a double from Ohtani, which would end Hicks' day at 92 pitches. Walks have been a problem for Hicks throughout his career, but his five free passes Tuesday were a season high. He hasn't pitched past the fifth since May 31 and hasn't picked up a win since May 19. Hicks now owns a 4.01 ERA, 1.39 WHIP and 90:41 K:BB in 98.2 innings. Robbie Ray (elbow) is set to return to the rotation Wednesday and Alex Cobb (hip) is not far behind, leaving Hicks as the potential odd man out of the rotation. For now, the right-hander is scheduled to make his next start at home versus Colorado this weekend.
Jul 20 2024Hicks was scratched from his scheduled start Sunday against the Rockies, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Giants haven't indicated Hicks is dealing with any sort of injury, so it's possible him being scratched from his start indicates a move to the bullpen, or the team may simply want to postpone his next outing. Either way, Hayden Birdsong will start on the mound for San Francisco on Sunday instead.
Jul 13 2024Hicks said after Thursday's loss to the Blue Jays that his body "in general is just feeling it a little bit more than in past seasons," NBC Sports Bay Area reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Hicks has already surged past his previous career high in innings with 95 after previously topping out at 77.2 frames as a rookie in 2018. After a brilliant start to his tenure in San Francisco, Hicks has struggled lately, posting a 6.08 ERA and 1.78 WHIP over his last eight starts. There have been no indications that Hicks will be limited in the immediate future, but the Giants may need to find ways to ease his workload down the stretch to keep the 27-year-old from wearing down completely in his return to a starting role.
Jul 12 2024Hicks (5-4) earned the win Friday over the Twins, allowing one run on five hits and a walk while striking out three over 5.1 innings. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Hicks had given up 16 runs over 18.1 innings across his last four starts, so this was a significant improvement. He also came away with his first win since May 19, a span of nine winless starts in which he went 0-5 with a 5.57 ERA. For the year, Hicks is at a 4.08 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 86:37 K:BB across 100.1 innings across 20 starts. His inability to pitch deeper into games limits his fantasy utility, but his spot in the rotation should be safe at least until both of Robbie Ray (elbow) and Alex Cobb (hip/shoulder) are ready to make their season debuts.
Jul 11 2024Hicks (4-6) took the loss Thursday against Toronto, allowing five runs on eight hits and one walk over 4.1 innings He struck out one. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Hicks surrendered solo home runs to Danny Jansen and Spencer Horwitz in the loss. Hicks has now allowed multiple long balls in three of his last eight starts after not doing so in his first 11 starts of 2024. The 27-year-old hasn't earned a win since May 19 and owns a 5.57 ERA in 42.0 innings since. The reliever-turned-starter has completed only six innings three times this season and hasn't gone deeper than five innings since May.
Jul 3 2024Hicks (4-5) allowed three runs on eight hits and two walks while striking out six over five innings, taking the loss versus Atlanta on Wednesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Hicks is winless in his last eight outings, going 0-4 with a 5.02 ERA in that span. He's walked multiple batters in six of those starts, though Wednesday was the fourth time in that span that he's avoided giving up a home run. Hicks is at a 3.47 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 82:35 K:BB through 90.2 innings over 18 starts this season. He's projected to make his next start at home against one of his former teams, the Blue Jays.
Jun 27 2024Hicks did not factor into the decision Thursday, allowing three runs on five hits, two walks and a hit batsman against the Cubs. He struck out seven. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Hicks' outing was marred by a rough third inning in which he hit a batter, allowed two steals and gave up a homer and triple among three hits during the three-run frame. Otherwise, Hicks faced just two batters over the minimum during the other four innings, recording at least seven strikeouts for the fourth time this season. He'll carry a strong 3.36 ERA into his next start, tentatively scheduled to take place next week when the Giants travel to Atlanta for a mid-week series.
Jun 22 2024Hicks (4-4) took the loss against the Cardinals on Saturday, allowing five runs on six hits and three walks with one strikeout over four innings. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Hicks surrendered a two-run home run to Paul Goldschmidt in the first and a three-run homer to Alec Burleson in the fourth before departing with a 5-4 deficit. After tossing five scoreless innings June 17, this was the most earned runs Hicks has allowed in a start this season. The righty has only completed five frames in one of four June outings and has not logged a quality start since April 27. He owns a 3.24 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 69:31 K:BB over 80.2 innings and lines up to start against the Cubs next week.
Jun 17 2024Hicks allowed four hits and four walks while striking out four batters over five scoreless innings in a no-decision against the Cubs on Monday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Hicks recently battled an illness but was able to take his regular turn in the rotation Monday. He threw only 48 of 87 pitches for strikes and tied a season high in issuing four free passes, but he was able to work around constant traffic on the basepaths to finish with five scoreless frames. It was the first time Hicks has held an opponent scoreless since his season debut against San Diego on March 30, though he's been quite reliable in yielding three or fewer earned runs in all but one of his 15 outings. The right-hander holds a 2.82 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 68:28 K:BB through 76.2 innings on the season.
Jun 11 2024Manager Bob Melvin said after Tuesday's game that Hicks has been sick for the past several days, Shayna Rubin of the San Francisco Chronicle reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: While Hicks' illness didn't prevent him from starting Tuesday, it did play a factor in his removal after just 4.2 innings and caused his velocity to be down a tick. The 27-year-old righty allowed three earned runs on five hits and a walk while striking out five batters, and he was hit with his third loss of the year. Assuming he's able to shake off his illness, Hicks is lined up to start again on the road Monday against the Cubs.
Jun 5 2024Hicks came away with a no-decision in Wednesday's 9-3 win over the Diamondbacks, giving up two runs on six hits and four walks over 3.2 innings. He struck out seven. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander did rack up some Ks, but Hicks needed 92 pitches (51 strikes) to record just 11 outs and got the hook before he could quality for a win. He's failed to complete six innings in seven straight trips to the mound, posting a 4.09 ERA, 1.48 WHIP and 32:13 K:BB over 33 innings during that stretch. Hicks will look for a more efficient performance in his next outing, which is scheduled to come at home early next week against the Astros.
May 31 2024Hicks (4-2) allowed five runs (four earned) on eight hits and struck out four without walking a batter over 5.1 innings, taking the loss versus the Yankees on Friday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Aaron Judge did most of the damage against Hicks, taking him deep for a three-run home run in the third inning and a solo shot in the sixth. The five runs allowed were the most Hicks has given up in a start this season, though it was a positive to see him issue no walks for the fourth time in 12 outings. Homers are becoming a problem for the right-hander -- he's allowed five of them over his last four starts after giving up just one across his first eight outings. For the season, Hicks is at a strong 2.70 ERA with a 1.12 WHIP and 52:19 K:BB over 63.1 innings. He's projected to make his next start on the road in Arizona.
May 26 2024Hicks came away with a no-decision in Saturday's 7-2 extra-inning win over the Mets, allowing one run on two hits and two walks over five innings. He struck out eight. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander generated a whopping 19 swinging strikes on 87 pitches in a strong effort, but he left the mound with the Giants down 1-0 before yet another late rally. Hicks has yet to give up more than three earned runs in a start this season, but he's pitched more than five innings only three times in 11 outings, somewhat muting his fantasy appeal in formats that use QS over wins. He'll take a 2.33 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 48:19 K:BB through 58 innings into his next start, which lines up to come at home next weekend against the Yankees.
May 19 2024Hicks (4-1) allowed a run on three hits and a walk while striking out one over five innings to earn the win Sunday over the Rockies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports Hicks threw up his pregame meal. The right-hander also experienced diminished velocity -- all of his pitches were down between 2.4 and 3.6 mph from his season averages in Sunday's start, so it's obvious he wasn't at full strength. He still landed 49 of 72 pitches for strikes and gave up just a first-inning home run to Ryan McMahon, while the Giants' bullpen picked him up with four hitless innings. Hicks has gone past five innings in just three of his 10 starts this year, but he's done well with a 2.38 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 40:17 K:BB over 53 innings. It's not odd that the Giants may be managing his innings carefully since he's never exceeded 77.2 innings in a major-league campaign. There's no reason to worry about Hicks missing his next projected start -- on the road versus the Mets -- at this time.
May 13 2024Hicks allowed two runs on seven hits and struck out four without walking a batter over five innings in a no-decision versus the Dodgers on Monday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Hicks wasn't particularly efficient Monday, throwing 56 of 93 pitches for strikes. He's failed to get past the fifth inning in all three of his starts in May after doing so in three of his first six outings of the year. The right-hander has pitched to a steady 2.44 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 39:16 K:BB through 48 innings this season. He's given up nine runs (seven earned) through 14 innings in May, albeit with less-than-ideal matchups and venues. Hicks' next start is projected to be at home versus the Rockies.
May 9 2024Hicks (3-1) earned the win over the Rockies on Wednesday, allowing three runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out five over five frames. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Hicks pitched well for most of the contest and allowed just one run up until the fifth inning. However, that's where the right-hander would run into trouble after allowing four consecutive batters to reach with one out, ultimately leading to two more runs coming across for Colorado. The seven hits and three runs allowed both marked season highs for Hicks, who has now failed to go beyond five innings in back-to-back starts. He now holds a 5.00 ERA over two May starts to go along with an 8:6 K:BB.
May 3 2024Hicks (2-1) took the loss Friday against the Phillies, allowing four runs (two earned) on four hits and four walks over four innings. He struck out three. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Phillies scored three times off Hicks in the third inning before tacking on another run in the fourth, handing the right-hander his first loss of the year. While the four runs against Hicks were a season high, he's still yet to allow more than two earned runs through seven starts. Hicks still sports a stellar 1.89 ERA with a 1.03 WHIP and 30:14 K:BB across 38 innings. He'll look to get back in the win column in his next outing, currently scheduled for next week in Colorado.
May 2 2024Hicks (side) is listed as the Giants' probable starting pitcher for Friday's game against the Phillies in Philadelphia. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Hicks contended with side tightness during his most recent outing against the Pirates last Saturday, when he struck out a season-high nine over six innings while allowing one earned run on five hits and no walks. The injury apparently didn't hinder him during his between-starts bullpen session, so he's on track to take the hill for the seventh time this season Friday. After pitching exclusively in relief between stops with St. Louis and Toronto in 2023, Hicks has performed even better than the Giants could have imagined after signing him to a four-year, $44 million deal this winter with the plan of converting him to a full-time starting role. Through his first six turns through the rotation, Hicks has delivered two wins to go with a 1.59 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and 27:10 K:BB in 34 innings.
Apr 28 2024Hicks said he experienced a bit of side tightness during his start against the Pirates on Saturday, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Hicks apparently felt the tightness following the sixth inning, though he still briefly came out for the seventh before being pulled after giving up a leadoff single. The right-hander is apparently fine, but it's still worth keeping an eye on his status heading into his next turn through the rotation, which lines up for next weekend in Philadelphia.
Apr 21 2024Hicks pitched five innings, allowing one run on one hit and four walks in Sunday's 5-3 loss to the Diamondbacks. He did not factor into the decision. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Hicks was once again effective Sunday, allowing two or fewer runs for the fifth straight start to open the 2024 campaign. The only blemish on the right-hander's line came in the top of the second inning, when Jake McCarthy drove in a run with a sacrifice fly. Hicks now owns a 1.61 ERA and 0.93 WHIP with 18 strikeouts over 28 innings in five starts this season.
Apr 16 2024Hicks didn't factor into the decision Tuesday, allowing two runs on three hits and three walks over five innings in a loss to the Marlins. He struck out six. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Hicks was solid for the most part Tuesday, holding the Marlins scoreless through his first three innings before Miami scored twice in the fourth to tie the game. It's the first time Hicks has allowed more than a single run in a start this year -- he's 2-0 with a 1.57 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and 18:6 K:BB through his first four outings (23 innings). Hicks will look to get back in the win column in his next start, currently lined up for Sunday versus the Diamondbacks.
Apr 11 2024Hicks (2-0) picked up the win Wednesday, allowing one run on four hits and two walks over six innings in a 7-1 victory over the Nationals. He struck out two. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander wasn't dominant, managing only seven swinging strikes among his 79 pitches, but Hicks didn't give up much hard contact aside from a Joey Gallo solo shot in the second inning. Hicks has produced two straight quality starts, and through three outings and 18 innings to begin the season he's delivered a sparkling 1.00 ERA, 0.83 WHIP and 13:3 K:BB. He'll look to keep rolling in his next start, which lines up for a road tilt in Miami early next week.
Apr 5 2024Hicks came away with a no-decision in Friday's 3-2 win over the Padres, giving up two runs (one earned) on five hits over seven innings. He struck out five without walking a batter. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 27-year-old right-hander produced the first quality start of his career as he lasted more than five innings for the first time in 10 career big-league starts. Hicks tossed 91 pitches (61 strikes) in an efficient outing, and the Giants' decision to deploy him in the rotation rather than a high-leverage relief role is beginning to look like it might pay dividends. Hicks will take a 0.75 ERA and 11:1 K:BB through his first 12 innings of 2024 into his next start, which lines up for a favorable home matchup against the Nationals next week.
Mar 30 2024Hicks (1-0) picked up the victory Saturday in San Diego, yielding three hits, a walk and a hit-by-pitch over five frames. He struck out six. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It was Hicks' first-ever win as a starting pitcher (in his ninth career start), as he carried over his strong spring with a terrific season debut. All three of the hits the Padres tallied off the hard-throwing righty were singles, and Hicks also enjoyed some stellar infield defense behind him. It will be a real test for Hicks holding up over a full season as he converts to being a starter, but the early returns are promising.
Mar 4 2024Hicks has allowed four runs on seven hits and three walks while striking out six over 4.1 innings across two Cactus League starts. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Giants are committed to letting Hicks begin 2024 as a starter, as if they have many options with a lack of rotation depth. The numbers so far are not encouraging -- Hicks is struggling with walks and loud contact. Oracle Park should help limit the damage on fly balls, and his elite velocity will lead to plenty of strikeouts. Hicks will need to prove his durability in a starting role, as a return to the bullpen will linger over him if his performance slips or an injury costs him a large chunk of the season.
Jan 18 2024The Giants plan to use Hicks as a conventional starter this season, Danny Emerman of KNBR 680 San Francisco reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The goal is for the right-hander to be ready to throw five innings and/or 75 pitches at the start of the season. Hicks totaled just 66.2 frames between the regular and postseason in 2023 and his professional high is 105, which came back in 2017 when he was last used as a regular starter. Therefore, his workload will almost surely have to be managed at some point. The Giants could always reverse course at some point and put Hicks in the bullpen if starting doesn't work out, but for now they're committed to him being a member of their rotation.
Jan 12 2024Hicks signed a four-year, $44 million contract with the Giants on Friday, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The kicker here is that the Giants plan to use Hicks as a starter, which comes as quite a surprise. Hicks' only experience in the majors as a starter came early in 2022 with the Cardinals, when he posted a 5.47 ERA, 1.56 WHIP and 25:21 K:BB over 26.2 innings. His 204 other big-league appearances have all been in relief, including all 65 last season. The Giants always have the option of eventually moving Hicks back to the bullpen if starting doesn't work out, of course. The 27-year-old held a 3.29 ERA and 81:32 K:BB across 65.2 frames for the Cardinals and Blue Jays in 2023.
Aug 28 2023Hicks picked up the save Monday against Washington. He allowed one walk in a scoreless inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After Jordan Romano threw 36 pitches in Sunday's extra-inning loss, the Blue Jays turned to Hicks in the ninth Monday. He worked around a two-out walk to close out a 6-3 win, earning his fourth save with Toronto and his 12th of the year. Hicks had been somewhat shaky since returning to a setup role behind Romano, allowing three runs and two homers in his prior 5.2 innings. Overall, he sports a 3.74 ERA with a 1.42 WHIP and 69:27 K:BB across 53 innings this season.
Aug 9 2023Hicks earned a save against the Guardians on Wednesday by retiring the only batter he faced. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With Toronto clinging to a 1-0 lead heading into the bottom of the ninth frame, it was Tim Mayza who got the call from the bullpen to close things out. The southpaw retired two of the three batters he faced, but the right-handed Hicks was called upon to finish the job against righty Oscar Gonzalez with two outs and a runner on first. Hicks needed just two pitches to do, getting Gonzalez to pop out to second base. In doing so, the hurler recorded his third save in the past five days. Hicks appears to be the favorite for save opportunities among Blue Jays relievers for the time being, though Jordan Romano (back) tossed another bullpen session Wednesday and will almost certainly resume closer duties upon his return.
Aug 7 2023Hicks earned a save against Cleveland on Monday, allowing one hit and one walk in one scoreless inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Hicks got the call from the bullpen with the Blue Jays up 3-1 in the ninth frame. The right-hander quickly found himself in trouble after hitting the first batter he faced and then yielding a single to Jose Ramirez. However, Hicks was able to retire the next two hitters, and after loading the bases by walking Gabriel Arias, he got Brayan Rocchio to ground out to escape the jam. It wasn't a smooth conversion by any means, but Hicks has been successful in both his save chances since joining Toronto and may get another opportunity or two before Jordan Romano (back) returns to reclaim the ninth-inning job.
Aug 5 2023Hicks struck out one in 1.1 perfect innings of relief Friday to record his ninth save of the season, and first as a Blue Jay, in a 7-3 win over the Red Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Jays held a three-run lead when Hicks took the mound in the bottom of the eighth, and the insurance run they tacked on in the ninth didn't cause him to take his foot off the gas -- the right-hander needed only nine pitches, all strikes, to get the four outs and he topped out at 99.9 mph with his power sinker. Toronto is using a closing committee with Jordan Romano (back) on the shelf, and while Hicks will likely continue to split save chances with Yimi Garcia and Erik Swanson depending on availability and matchups, performances like this will make manager John Schneider very comfortable deploying his newest high-leverage option at the end of games.
Jul 30 2023The Cardinals agreed to trade Hicks to the Blue Jays on Sunday for an unspecified return, Craig Mish of the Miami Herald reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The trade return remains unclear, but Toronto wasted little time bolstering the back end of its bullpen after closer Jordan Romano (back) landed on the injured list Saturday. Hicks had a rough start to the season with 11 earned runs allowed in his first 14 outings, but he has a 1.88 ERA over 28.2 innings since May 8 and has been effective as St. Louis' closer over the past six weeks. The flame-throwing righty should be the favorite for save opportunities in Toronto while Romano is sidelined, though Erik Swanson and Yimi Garcia could also be in the mix.
Jul 17 2023Hicks earned a save against the Marlins on Monday, allowing three hits over one scoreless inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Hicks was called upon in the ninth inning to protect a two-run lead and quickly surrendered a leadoff single. That was erased when Luis Arraez followed by grounding into a double play, but Hicks soon found himself in trouble again when each of the next two batters notched a hit off him. However, the righty reliever managed to recover and induced a groundout to close the contest. Hicks has yielded nine hits and two walks over his past 6.1 innings but has been able to record three saves in four chances while giving up just two earned runs across six appearances over that span.
Jul 15 2023Hicks (1-6) took the extra-inning loss in Game 1 of Saturday's doubleheader against the Nationals, allowing two runs (one earned) on two hits while striking out one over two innings. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The game was resumed after getting suspended Friday due to weather. Hicks got through the ninth inning without much trouble, but gave up a pair of runs in the 10th to take the loss. He's now at a 3.93 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 56:23 K:BB through 38.2 innings overall while adding seven saves, six holds and three blown saves. Hicks had a strong June, but he's now given up five runs (three earned) over his last seven outings.
Jul 8 2023Hicks gave up two hits and struck out one in a scoreless ninth inning Saturday to record his seventh save of the season in a 3-0 win over the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander continues to thrive since his move back into the closer role. Over his last nine appearances, Hicks has converted seven of eight save chances while posting a 2.16 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 10:2 K:BB through 8.1 innings. Ryan Helsley (forearm) appears to be on track to return to the St. Louis bullpen before the end of July, but if Hicks keeps performing at this level, he could well retain at least a share of the team's ninth-inning duties -- although he could also find himself traded to a contender by then, before he reaches free agency next offseason.
Jul 6 2023Hicks picked up the save in Thursday's 3-0 win over the Marlins. He struck out one over a perfect inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Hicks grabbed his sixth save of the campaign Thursday, each of which has come since No. 1 closer Ryan Helsley (forearm) was placed on the 15-day IL on June 12. Since Helsley's injury, Hicks has handled closing duties and owns a 2.00 ERA and a 12:2 K:BB through nine appearances (9.0 innings).
Jun 28 2023Hicks struck out one in a perfect ninth inning Tuesday to record his fifth save of the season in a 4-2 win over the Astros. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander topped out at 99.5 mph with his final pitch as he caught Jeremy Pena looking. Hicks has converted saves in five straight appearances since taking over the closer role from Ryan Helsley (forearm), relegating Giovanny Gallegos to setup duties. The notoriously wild Hicks, who has a 13.5 percent walk rate for his career, also hasn't issued a free pass in six straight games, and over the last month he sports a 2.84 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 19:4 K:BB through 12.2 innings. If he can maintain that kind of control, he might well hang onto ninth-inning duties the rest of the year.
Jun 25 2023Hicks (illness) picked up the save in Sunday's 7-5 win over the Cubs, allowing one run on one hit over one inning. He struck out two and didn't record a walk. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Hicks was deemed unavailable for the first contest in London due to an illness, but he was cleared ahead of Sunday's matchup and was called upon in the ninth inning with a three-run lead. Hicks worked around a leadoff double from Nick Madrigal to record his fourth save over the past eight days, running away with the closing job since Ryan Helsley (forearm) hit the injured list. Helsley isn't close to returning, so Hicks, who owns a 14.3 K/9 through 30 appearances, is a must-roster player in all fantasy formats moving forward.
Jun 24 2023Hicks will not be available for Saturday's game against the Cubs due to illness, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Jordan Walker was forced out of the lineup with an illness Wednesday, and Hicks is now facing a similar issue. Any save opportunity would likely be handled by Giovanny Gallegos on Saturday.
Jun 20 2023Hicks picked up the save in Monday's 8-6 victory over Washington, allowing one hit during a scoreless inning. He struck out one and did not record a walk. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With Ryan Helsley (forearm) on the injured list, Hicks has locked down saves in three consecutive days. The flamethrowing right-hander started his career as a closer, but he struggled to stay healthy and had been limited to set-up duties when available. Nonetheless, Hicks is healthy now and has a clear path to late-inning opportunities, so he should be rostered in basically every fantasy format. Giovanny Gallegos also figures to get some ninth-inning work while Helsley remains sidelined, but it appears to be Hicks' job to lose for now.
Jun 18 2023Hicks picked up the save Sunday against the Mets, allowing one hit over a scoreless inning. He did not record a strikeout or walk. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With Ryan Helsley (forearm) on the injured list, Hicks has locked down saves in back-to-back days. Giovanny Gallegos also figures to get some ninth-inning work with Helsley unavailable, but it appears it's Hicks' job to lose for now. The right-hander started his career as a closer, but he's struggled to stay healthy and was recently limited to mostly step-up duties when available.
Jun 11 2023Hicks (1-4) allowed a run on a hit and a walk while striking out one over one inning to take the loss Sunday versus the Reds. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Hicks put two runners on base and then yielded a fielder's choice to Tyler Stephenson, who knocked in the Reds' go-ahead run. After a month-long, 12.1-inning scoreless streak, Hicks has yielded three runs over 1.1 innings in two appearances versus Cincinnati. He's now at a 4.73 ERA, 1.69 WHIP and 42:21 K:BB over 26.2 innings with five holds and two blown saves this season. With four walks over his last four innings, Hicks will need to once again regain his command to be an effective reliever.
Jun 7 2023Hicks (1-3) allowed a hit and struck out one in a scoreless inning to earn the win Wednesday over the Rangers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Since a three-run blow-up versus the Tigers on May 5, Hicks has been excellent with 12.1 scoreless innings with an 18:4 K:BB. He was able to get the win in a 1-0 contest Wednesday, keeping the game scoreless in the seventh inning before Alec Burleson put the Cardinals ahead in the eighth. Hicks is now at a 3.91 ERA, 1.54 WHIP and 40:18 K:BB through 25.1 innings overall, but his recent work has helped him reclaim some work in high-leverage spots. He's added five holds and two blown saves in 24 appearances.
May 5 2023Hicks (0-3) took the loss and a blown save Friday versus the Tigers, allowing three runs on a hit and two walks with one strikeout in two-thirds of an inning. He also hit a batter. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Hicks had shown improvements over recent weeks, allowing just one unearned run -- which led to a loss -- in his last 6.2 innings. That was all gone in a messy seventh inning Friday, which saw him throw just 14 of 26 pitches for strikes. His control issues have cropped up again with five walks over his last three appearances. Hicks is at a 7.62 ERA, 2.38 WHIP and 22:14 K:BB through 13 innings this season.
Apr 27 2023Hicks (0-2) allowed an unearned run on two hits and struck out four without walking a batter over 1.2 innings, and he took the loss Wednesday versus the Giants. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: A two-out fielding error by Lars Nootbaar and a subsequent wild pitch from Hicks allowed the Giants' Mitch Haniger to score the go-ahead run. Hicks has been used in low-leverage situations for a little over a week, but he entered a tie game on a three-inning scoreless streak and couldn't keep the score even. The hard-throwing righty trimmed his ERA to a bloated 6.97, and he has an awful 2.32 WHIP and a 17:9 K:BB through 10.1 innings. He's issued just one walk over his last five outings, but he's also uncorked two wild pitches in that span and still has some work to do to get his control in line.
Mar 18 2023Hicks has allowed four earned runs on six hits and five walks while striking out six over 5.2 innings over six Grapefruit League appearances. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Hicks' strikeout potential remains enticing, but the overall results are not where they need to be to feel confident about his ability to fill a high-leverage role. With experience as a starter, there's always the option to stretch Hicks out for long-relief duties, but the right-hander has also had success in the past as a reliever. He's little more than a late-draft dart throw in fantasy given his skill set.
Feb 17 2023Hicks is expected to earn high-leverage spots as a reliever to begin 2023, Derrick Goold of The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Hicks was used as both a starter and a reliever last season, but he was more effective out of the bullpen. The hard-throwing righty has added some weight to get back to where his body is most comfortable, and that should in turn help his durability after he missed time with shoulder, forearm and neck issues in 2022. Manager Oliver Marmol tends to avoid strict roles in the bullpen, so Hicks should join Ryan Helsley and Giovanny Gallegos as the Cardinals' top late-inning options.
Jan 13 2023Hicks and the Cardinals agreed on a one-year, $1.8375 contract Friday, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Hicks and the team will avoid arbitration after coming to terms on a deal for 2023 on Friday. The right-hander produced a 4.84 ERA and 1.32 WHIP with 63 strikeouts and eight holds over 61.1 innings in 35 appearances, including eight starts, with St. Louis last season. Hicks will likely open the 2023 campaign as a setup option ahead of closer Ryan Helsley in the Cardinals' bullpen.
Oct 5 2022The Cardinals activated Hicks (neck) from the 15-day injured list Wednesday, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Hicks is expected to make an one-inning appearance in relief behind starter Matthew Liberatore in Wednesday's regular-season finale in Pittsburgh, and assuming he checks out fine following the outing, the 26-year-old right-hander will likely have a spot on the Cardinals' roster for the wild-card round of the playoffs. Across 60.1 innings with St. Louis in 2022, Hicks has generated a 4.92 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 63:35 K:BB while collecting eight holds.
Oct 1 2022Hicks (neck/arm) had a strong bullpen session Friday and is on track to be activated from the 15-day injured list prior to the end of the regular season, John Denton of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Hicks appears set for a fairly minimal stay after hitting the IL Sept. 17. The 26-year-old right-hander had a 4.87 ERA and 1.23 WHIP across 20.1 innings between the start of August and when he was shelved with fatigue and neck spasms, so he's likely to slot into a mid-leverage role once he's ready to go. Assuming he doesn't have a setback in the next couple of days, he'll likely have time to appear in one regular-season game before the postseason begins.
Sep 28 2022Hicks (neck/arm) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Friday, John Denton of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander played catch from 150 feet Tuesday and Wednesday, clearing the way for him to advance to mound work. Assuming all goes well Friday, Hicks is then expected to throw another bullpen session Sunday in hopes of returning from the injured list next week.
Sep 21 2022Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said Hicks (neck) was feeling better Wednesday, but remains on a "no-throw, rest program," John Denton of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Hicks also reported feeling a "strange sensation" in his arm to go along with his fatigue, however an MRI revealed no structural damage. There remains no word on how soon Hicks will be able to return to St. Louis' bullpen.
Sep 17 2022Hicks landed on the injured list Saturday due to fatigue and neck spasms, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Hicks has allowed three runs in 3.2 innings across his last three appearances, but it's unclear if those struggles are injury-related. He hasn't been good throughout the second half, pitching to a 6.46 ERA in 23.2 frames since the break, something which could perhaps be explained by fatigue. Steven Matz (knee) was activated off the injured list to take his place in the bullpen.
Aug 11 2022Hicks (3-6) allowed two runs on two walks and struck out one in 1.1 innings, taking the loss Thursday against the Rockies. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Hicks got through the sixth inning without trouble, but he walked two batters with one out in the seventh. Genesis Cabrera couldn't stop the Rockies' momentum in what became a six-run frame, with Hicks getting charged with the loss. The flame-throwing right-hander has seen more high-leverage work lately, picking up four holds in his last nine appearances. He owns a 4.89 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 44:31 K:BB through 46 innings across 23 outings (eight starts) this year, though he remains in more of a versatile relief role at this part of the season.
Aug 5 2022Hicks (3-5) earned the win in Game 2 of Thursday's doubleheader versus the Cubs. He allowed a run on a hit and two walks in one inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Cubs tied the game at 2-2 against Hicks in the seventh inning, but Tyler O'Neill's three-run home run in the bottom of the frame put the Cardinals ahead again. In his last 5.1 innings, Hicks has surrendered seven runs on five hits, four walks and two hit batters. He had some initially promising results in early July after moving back to the bullpen, but his recent form is likely to keep him in a middle-relief role. For the season, the right-hander owns a 4.93 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 38:28 K:BB across 42 innings through 20 appearances (eight starts).
Jul 26 2022Hicks (2-5) allowed four runs on three hits and two walks in 1.2 innings Tuesday versus the Blue Jays, taking the loss. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Hicks entered the game to begin the fifth inning, but he ran into trouble in the sixth. He left the bases loaded for Junior Fernandez to face George Springer, with the Blue Jays' slugger smacking a grand slam. With five runs allowed in 2.1 innings since the All-Star break, Hicks has effectively lost the momentum he gained from an eight-inning scoreless streak prior to the break. The flame-throwing righty has a 4.85 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and 35:26 K:BB across 39 innings in 17 appearances (eight starts). Until he can settle down again, Hicks is likely to see a multi-inning relief role.
Jul 13 2022Hicks allowed a hit and three walks with one strikeout in 1.2 innings as the opener in Tuesday's 7-6 win over the Dodgers. He did not factor in the decision. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Hicks has seen time as a starter and a middle reliever so far, but Tuesday was his first turn as an opener. While he kept runs off the board, he threw only 18 of 38 pitches for strikes in an erratic outing. Hicks has pitched 6.2 scoreless innings since returning from a forearms strain in early July. He has a 4.08 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 34:24 K:BB across 35.1 innings in 14 outings (eight starts) overall, though his usage is likely to remain flexible.
Jul 12 2022Hicks will serve as the Cardinals' opening pitcher in Tuesday's game against the Dodgers, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Hicks has previously made seven starts with St. Louis this season, but he's made each of his four appearances since coming off the injured list July 2 in relief. Manager Oliver Marmol recently hinted at the possibility of using Hicks as an opener, and the skipper determined that a matchup with a fearsome top half of the Dodgers' lineup was a good spot to use the right-hander. Hicks will likely work one or two innings before giving way to bulk reliever Matthew Liberatore, who mostly struggled while working as a traditional starter over his first six big-league outings.
Jul 3 2022Hicks (forearm) allowed two hits in 1.2 scoreless innings Saturday versus the Phillies. He did not strike out or walk a batter. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Hicks missed over a month with the forearm strain, and he returned in a multi-inning role. The hard-throwing right-hander appears set to remain in the bullpen for the rest of the season after beginning the year as a starter. He has a 4.75 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and 29:20 K:BB across 10 appearances (seven starts). Hicks will have some time to acclimate himself to long relief again, but success in that role could he see him eventually joining the Cardinals' high-leverage mix since he has previous closing experience.
Jul 2 2022Hicks (forearm) was reinstated from the 15-day injured list Saturday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Hicks has been sidelined since late May due to a right forearm injury, but he spent the last week and a half at Triple-A Memphis on a rehab assignment. The 25-year-old posted a 12.60 ERA and 2.20 WHIP in five innings over four appearances (one start) in the minors and should serve as a multi-inning reliever for the Cardinals now that he's back to full health.
Jun 28 2022Hicks (forearm) is scheduled to make one-inning rehab appearances Tuesday and Wednesday with Triple-A Memphis, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Pitching on back-to-back days likely represents the final checkpoint Hicks will need to hit in his recovery from a right forearm strain before the Cardinals likely bring him back from the 15-day injured list during this weekend's series in Philadelphia. Hicks had started or served as a bulk reliever in each of his first nine appearances of the season with the big club prior to landing on the shelf May 26, but he's slated to work as a multi-inning option out of the bullpen once he's activated.
Jun 20 2022Hicks (forearm) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Memphis on Monday, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Hicks has been out for nearly a month with a flexor injury. The length of his absence means he'll probably need more than one rehab outing, though the Cardinals have yet to specify exactly when he's expected to return. The righty is reportedly expected to pitch in a relief role upon his return to the majors.
Jun 15 2022Hicks (forearm) felt great after a 30-pitch bullpen session Wednesday and will likely begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Memphis later this week, John Denton of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Hicks has been on the shelf since May 26, but he's completed two bullpen sessions since Sunday. Denton adds that Hicks is likely to serve as a reliever during his rehab assignment, which would line him up to return to the big-league bullpen once he's activated from the injured list. If that's what happens, expect rookie Andre Pallante to maintain his place in the rotation until Steven Matz (shoulder) is able to return. Hicks logged a 5.02 ERA and 29:20 K:BB across 28.2 innings in nine appearances (seven starts) before he landed on the injured list, but he's previously served as a high-leverage reliever in the majors in past seasons.
Jun 12 2022Hicks (forearm) felt "great" after a 25-pitch bullpen session Sunday, John Denton of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Hicks has been sidelined with a flexor injury since late May. He doesn't have a precise return date, but he's trending in the right direction. He still has several steps to go before returning from the injured list, however, especially as he wasn't quite throwing at his full velocity for most of Sunday's session.
Jun 11 2022Hicks (forearm) will throw a bullpen session Sunday, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Hicks has taken it easy since landing on the injured list in late May, but he is on the verge of throwing off a mound. Hicks' status will be updated again when he approaches the next milestone in his recovery, which could include a rehab assignment.
Jun 5 2022Hicks (forearm) is about a week from throwing off a mound, John Denton of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He threw for a second time Sunday and may throw another time or two before progressing to mound work. From there, a rehab assignment would be the next step, so a late-June return seems like the best-case scenario.
May 26 2022Hicks was placed on the 15-day injured list Thursday with a right forearm flexor injury. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Hicks apparently suffered the injury during Tuesday's start against Toronto, when he was charged with the loss after he surrendered four runs on five walks over three innings. According to Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat, the 25-year-old doesn't believe it's a serious injury, though the medical imaging he recently underwent has yet to be analyzed. The Cardinals are also considering shifting Hicks back to the bullpen once healthy, per Katie Woo of The Athletic.
May 25 2022Hicks (1-4) took the loss Tuesday, giving up four runs on four hits and five walks over three-plus innings as the Cardinals were routed 8-1 by the Blue Jays. He struck out three. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The conversion of Hicks from the bullpen to the rotation continues to go poorly, and Tuesday's five walks were a season high as he got only 40 of 78 pitches over the plate. The right-hander has managed to last five innings only once in seven starts and he's issued multiple free passes in all seven, posting a 5.84 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 24:18 K:BB over 24.2 innings during that stretch.
May 18 2022Hicks pitched four innings against the Mets on Wednesday, allowing two runs on three hits and three walks while striking out five. He did not factor in the decision. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Hicks struggled mightily with his control throughout the outing, as only 39 of his 82 pitches crossed the plate. He issued a season-high three walks and hit two batters, but he escaped substantial damage as the Mets left five runners on base during his four innings. Hicks has completed five innings only once this season and has issued multiple free passes in each of his past six appearances. Those numbers don't bode well for his fantasy outlook despite the fact that he has struck out over a batter per inning. Hicks' next start is tentatively slated to come at home against Toronto next week.
May 13 2022Hicks (1-3) allowed three runs on three hits and two walks over five innings Friday, striking out three and taking a loss against San Francisco. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Hicks gave up an RBI single to Luis Gonzalez in the second inning followed by Mike Yastrzemski's two-run double in the third. It was the longest outing of Hicks' MLB career and the first time this season that he allowed more than two runs. His ERA is up to 4.15 with a 21:12 K:BB through 21.2 innings. Hicks is expected to face the Mets on the road next week.
May 12 2022Hicks, who was scratched from Thursday's start against the Orioles, will start Friday against the Giants, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: While the Cardinals didn't initially provide an explanation for starting Steven Matz on Thursday, the team simply wanted to give Hicks an additional day of rest between starts. Over his last four appearances, Hicks has posted a 4.97 ERA and 1.34 WHIP in 12.2 innings, and he's failed to last longer than 4.1 innings in any of his starts this year.
May 7 2022Hicks registered a no-decision during Friday's 3-2 win over the Giants, allowing two runs on three hits and two walks with five strikeouts in 4.1 innings. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Hicks held San Francisco's offense in check early but permitted the first two batters in the fifth to get on base, prompting his removal. Genesis Cabrera subsequently let both runners score, giving Hicks two earned runs allowed in three straight starts. After opening the season with two scoreless relief appearances, the 25-year-old has now allowed seven runs in 12.2 innings across four starts. He'll look to build on the career high 4.1 innings and 68 pitches as he's scheduled to face Baltimore next week.
May 1 2022Hicks allowed two runs on two hits and two walks with four strikeouts in 3.1 innings in a no-decision versus the Diamondbacks on Sunday. He also hit a batter. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Both of the hits Hicks allowed left the yard, as he surrendered solo home runs to Jordan Luplow and Christian Walker. The good news is Hicks showed no ill effects from a bruised wrist that took him out of his last start prematurely. The right-hander stretched out to 63 pitches (35 strikes) in this start, his longest of three this season. Through 12.1 innings, he's logged a 3.65 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 13:8 K:BB and a 1-2 record. He's projected to make his next start on the road in San Francisco.
Apr 26 2022Hicks had X-rays on his right wrist come back negative after leaving Tuesday's game against the Mets, Katie Woo of The Athletic reports ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 25-year-old was struck on the right wrist by a 97-mph comebacker during Tuesday's start, but it appears he escaped with just a bruise. He gave up two runs on two hits with two walks and a strikeout over two innings before exiting the contest and is in line for the loss. Hicks' next turn through the rotation lines up for Sunday versus Arizona, though it's unclear if he'll be available for that start.
Apr 21 2022Hicks (1-1) took the loss against Miami on Thursday, pitching three innings and allowing one run on two hits and two walks while striking out three. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Hicks is working on transitioning from the bullpen to a spot in the rotation, so he was capped at 46 pitches Thursday. The right-hander allowed only a second-inning run and kept the Marlins from registering any extra-base hits, but the Cardinals' offense was shut out, thus handing Hicks his first loss. He'll likely continue to gradually push his pitch count up over his subsequent few starts as he looks to build up to a standard starter's workload. Hicks' next outing is tentatively scheduled to come at home against the Mets early next week.
Apr 19 2022Hicks is scheduled to start Thursday's game against the Marlins, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Hicks was previously penciled in to start Tuesday's contest but was instead pushed back by two days. The 25-year-old threw 35 pitches over two innings during his last outing Sunday in Milwaukee and is expected to be limited to about 45 pitches in his first start of the season.
Apr 16 2022Hicks won't start Tuesday's game against the Marlins, John Denton of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Hicks was initially slated to make his first start of the season Tuesday in Miami, but he'll instead be available out of the bullpen against the Brewers on Saturday and Sunday. Adam Wainwright will now start Tuesday's series opener against Miami, while manager Oliver Marmol said that he expects Hicks to start late in the series against the Marlins or during the team's series against Cincinnati next weekend.
Apr 14 2022Manager Oliver Marmol said Hicks is tentatively lined up to make his first start of the season Tuesday against the Marlins in Miami, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Hicks initially appeared poised to pick up two turns through the rotation this week, but postponements of Monday's game against Pittsburgh and Wednesday's game against Kansas City will result in the 25-year-old having to wait a little longer for his first MLB start. Marmol noted that Hicks will be available in relief for the team's four-game series in Milwaukee that begins Thursday, so it's not a lock that the right-hander will be ready to take the hill in Miami if he's pressed into extended innings out of the bullpen against the Brewers. Whenever Hicks does make his first start, he's expected to be capped at around 45 pitches before steadily increasing his pitch count in his subsequent outings.
Apr 13 2022Hicks (1-0) pitched two shutout innings, allowing a walk and striking out two to earn the win Tuesday versus the Royals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Hicks is expected to enter the rotation officially during this weekend's series versus the Brewers. He was called on in relief Tuesday to maintain his pitching schedule, and he delivered quality innings while throwing 18 of his 27 pitches for strikes. The hard-throwing right-hander has worked as a reliever in his three previous major-league seasons, and it may take him a few turns through the rotation to build up to a starter's workload.
Apr 11 2022Hicks is scheduled to make his first start of the season Saturday against the Brewers in Milwaukee, John Denton of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Hicks had been on track to start Tuesday's game against the Royals, but the postponement of Monday's contest against the Pirates due to inclement weather in St. Louis prompted the Cardinals to reshuffle their pitching schedule. While previous reports suggested that Hicks would start Sunday's series finale in Milwaukee, he'll instead take the hill Saturday so the Cardinals won't have to add a temporary sixth starter to the mix. Dakota Hudson will stay on turn to start Sunday, assuming his he escapes his first start Tuesday unscathed. Hicks will be available out of the bullpen for that game, but he likely won't be in store for an extended appearance while he preps for his start later in the week. Manager Oliver Marmol suggested that Hicks will be capped at around 45 pitches in that start, and the Cardinals aren't preparing for him to cover more than four innings in any outing until May.
Apr 6 2022Manager Oliver Marmol said Wednesday that Hicks will be part of the Cardinals' Opening Day rotation, John Denton of MLB.com reports. Hicks will make his first start Tuesday against the Royals in St. Louis. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Cardinals said at the end of March that Hicks would serve as a reliever in 2022 with a potential for save chances, but the club will reverse course with Jack Flaherty (shoulder) on the injured list to begin the regular season. The right-hander hasn't yet started at the major-league level, and he posted a 5.40 ERA and 1.50 WHIP in 10 innings across 10 relief appearances last year. Despite his low innings counts over the past three years, the Cardinals are viewing him as a traditional starter rather than an opener, according to Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat. Hicks may have lighter workloads in his first couple of outings, but the Cardinals plan to have him steadily build up his pitch counts during his starts.
Mar 31 2022Hicks will work as a reliever rather than a starter this season and could receive save chances with the Cardinals exploring the idea of having a bullpen free of defined roles, Rick Hummel of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: A fluid bullpen could allow Hicks, Giovanny Gallegos, Genesis Cabrera and Ryan Helsley to all receive save opportunities this season. Hicks worked as the closer in 2019 and was expected to ramp up to be a starter this season after sitting out most of the past two years with elbow issues, but the quick start to the season post-lockout will result in him instead working in relief. The flame-throwing righty could also be used over multiple innings, as manager Oliver Marmol said, "our hope is that he can be more than a one-inning guy."
Mar 15 2022Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said Tuesday that he hopes for Hicks (elbow) to build up in the neighborhood of 50 pitches during spring training, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: At least for the time being, the Cardinals are allowing Hicks to compete for a starting role with the big club, but Marmol's comments imply that the right-hander will likely have to be deployed as more of an opener or piggyback option to begin the season if he does in fact crack the Opening Day rotation. Though Hicks reported to camp healthy, the Cardinals are easing him along slowly after recurring elbow trouble limited him to just 13 appearances between the majors and minors in 2021. According to John Denton of MLB.com, Hicks revealed Tuesday that he was dealing with a "minor tear" in his elbow, though he healed quickly following a few platelet-rich plasma injections and was able to pitch at the Arizona Fall League, where his fastball topped out at 100 miles per hour. In an effort to avoid further stress on his arm, Hicks said he believes the 96-to-98-mph range may be the sweet spot for his velocity moving forward, especially if he wants to work as a starter. If the Cardinals decide to scrap the starting experiment, Hicks would still be in good shape to make the Opening Day roster as a reliever.
Mar 10 2022General manager John Mozeliak said that getting Hicks stretched out prior to Opening Day will be a challenge, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Rather than a build-up of at least six weeks, players will be limited to just under a month between reporting to spring training and the first pitch of the regular season in 2022. As a result, that could jeopardize the Cardinals' plans to use Hicks in the rotation rather than in a bullpen role. Mozeliak did note that he had to observe where Hicks stands from an arm strength and conditioning perspective, so his exact role remains unclear for now.
Oct 25 2021Hicks (elbow) was reinstated from the 60-day injured list Monday, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Hicks missed most of the 2021 campaign due to a right elbow injury, and he concluded a rehab assignment at the Arizona Fall League on Sunday. The righty is expected to compete for a major-league rotation spot during spring training in 2022, and he appears to be in line for a relatively normal offseason following his activation.
Sep 26 2021Hicks (elbow) will continue his rehab work in the Arizona Fall League at the end of the regular season and won't join the Cardinals for any potential postseason action, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Hicks began a rehab stint with Triple-A Memphis on Saturday, but the Cardinals don't plan to rush him back from the four-plus month absence for a potential playoff run. The 25-year-old has been sidelined since the start of May with right elbow inflammation and should be ready for spring training, assuming he avoids any setbacks while pitching in the fall league.
Sep 25 2021Hicks (elbow) began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Memphis on Saturday, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Hicks has been out since the start of May with elbow inflammation. He doesn't appear to have time to make it back before the end of the regular season, and reports indicate he'll be sent to the Arizona Fall League, which seemingly means he isn't being considered for a spot on the team's playoff roster.
Sep 22 2021The Cardinals announced Wednesday that Hicks (elbow) will be one of the players the organization sends to the Arizona Fall League, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After sitting out the entire 2020 campaign following his July 2019 Tommy John procedure, Hicks was expected to hold down a key role in the St. Louis bullpen in 2021. However, he made just 10 appearances before being shut down in May with right elbow inflammation, and his slow recovery from the injury has prompted the Cardinals to keep him on the shelf for the remainder of the season. Hicks has at least resumed throwing since being shut down in May, and he looks like he'll be ready to prove his health by the time the AFL begins. With a strong showing in Arizona, Hicks should put himself in position to open 2022 with the big club.
Aug 22 2021Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak said Sunday that he doesn't expect Hicks (elbow) to return from the 60-day injured list before the end of the season, but the right-hander could be cleared to pick up innings during winter ball, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Hicks took an important step forward last week in his recovery from the right elbow injury that has kept him on the shelf since the beginning of May, as he was cleared to throw off a mound for the first time in more than four and a half months. Though Hicks finally looks to be progressing after his rehab program stalled out for much of the summer, the Cardinals aren't counting him on providing a late-season boost to the bullpen. If Hicks is able to test out his arm over the winter and avoids any further setbacks, he should head into spring training with few restrictions, if any.
Aug 18 2021Hicks (elbow) threw a bullpen session Monday, his first time doing so since suffering his injury May 1, the team's official site reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Hicks has been playing catch regularly in the field for some time, but the return to the mound is naturally a significant step in his recovery. The Cardinals continue to hold out hope they'll be able to get Hicks some game action -- be it at the major- or minor-league level -- before the end of the season, but they will continue to operate with considerable caution given the hard-throwing right-hander's extensive injury history.
Jul 16 2021Hicks (elbow) hasn't yet resumed mound work and may not return to the Cardinals in 2021, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Manager Mike Shildt said that Hicks is "significantly" behind Jack Flaherty (oblique) in his recovery process, and Flaherty threw his first bullpen session Friday. Shildt said that it's "hard to say" whether the right-hander will pitch again for the Cardinals this season. Hicks has been sidelined since the beginning of May due to right elbow inflammation.
Jul 10 2021Manager Mike Shildt said Saturday that Hicks (elbow) has resumed playing catch but remains a ways away from full participation in baseball activities, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Shildt wouldn't rule out the possibility of Hicks not returning this season, though he didn't necessarily hint at that being the most likely scenario either. The right-hander still has a long way to go until he's even able to throw off a mound, so for the time being, a mid-to-late August return seems to be a best-case scenario.
Jun 3 2021Hicks (elbow) will likely be out until at least August, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Hicks was placed on the 60-day injured list due to right elbow inflammation May 14, and he's still resting after he received an injection in his elbow in mid-May. Manager Mike Shildt called it a "best-case scenario" for the right-hander to return in August, but a better timetable for his return could be revealed once he resumes throwing.
May 18 2021Hicks received an injection in his elbow last week and is expected to rest for a month before beginning to build his arm strength back up, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Hicks won't be returning any time soon, as he landed on the 60-day injured list Friday, knocking him out until at least early July. Whether or not he's on track to return when first eligible is not yet clear.
May 14 2021Hicks (elbow) was transferred to the 60-day injured list Friday, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The move means Hicks can't be activated before the start of July, though it already seemed unlikely that he'd be back before that point after a second opinion on his inflamed right elbow called for a longer absence than expected Sunday. He'll vacate his spot on the 40-man roster so the Cardinals can select Max Moroff's contract.
May 10 2021Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak said Sunday that Hicks is now expected to be sidelined at least six weeks after he recently received a second opinion on his inflamed right elbow, Rick Hummel of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: When Hicks was placed on the IL on May 4, the Cardinals initially projected him to miss up to a month, but the right-hander's recovery timeline has since been pushed back following his most recent checkup. Hicks is slated to receive an injection in his elbow this week to address the inflammation, and if the shot has the desired effect, he'll begin a rehab program soon thereafter. Mozeliak noted that the six-week timeline is an estimate for when Hicks will resume baseball activities, so the 24-year-old will almost certainly require additional time beyond that to build up before the Cardinals are ready to activate him. With that in mind, Hicks could face an uphill battle to make it back from the IL before the All-Star break.
May 4 2021Hicks' elbow inflammation is expected to keep him out for at least four weeks, Rob Rains of StLSportsPage.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Hicks left his outing Saturday against the Pirates with the injury. His removal was originally called precautionary, but he'll now be out until at least early June. Hicks had only thrown 10 innings since returning from Tommy John surgery, a procedure he underwent back in June of 2019, so the Cardinals have every reason to be cautious with the young fireballer. He had yet to work his way into a high-leverage role, so his absence won't significantly change the team's bullpen hierarchy.
May 2 2021Hicks is set to receive further imaging Monday on his sore right forearm, Zachary Silver of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Cardinals labeled Hicks' removal from his appearance in Saturday's game against the Pirates as precautionary, but that doesn't mean he'll avoid a trip to the injured list. St. Louis should gain more clarity on the extent of Hicks' injury Monday. Hicks has served as a setup man in front of closer Alex Reyes this season, posting a 5.40 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 10:10 K:BB in 10 innings.
May 1 2021Hicks was removed from Saturday's game versus the Pirates as a precaution due to right forearm tightness, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 24-year-old is coming off Tommy John surgery in June of 2019, so it's not much of a surprise to see the Cardinals quickly pulling the young pitcher. Hicks' removal was labeled a precaution, though that doesn't necessarily mean he won't be forced to miss any time. The right-hander should be considered day-to-day until the team updates his status.
Apr 30 2021Hicks recorded his third hold in an extra-inning win over the Phillies on Thursday, firing a scoreless sixth inning during which he issued a walk and recorded two strikeouts. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Manager Mike Shildt decided to afford Hicks his first action since Sunday by inserting him into the game immediately after the Cardinals had taken a 3-1 lead in the home half of the fifth inning. Hicks experienced trademark issues with his location while getting just nine of 19 pitches into the strike zone, but he still came away with his third hold. At present, an ascension to the closer's role he filled in 2019 before getting injured doesn't look to be anywhere in the cards for Hicks, as he still appears to be rounding back into shape after sitting out 2020, while Alex Reyes is currently perfect over six save chances while holding down ninth-inning duties.
Apr 24 2021Hicks made his first ninth-inning appearance of the season in Friday's win over the Reds, allowing three earned runs on one hit and two walks over one-third of an inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The hard-throwing right-hander got only six of 16 pitches into the strike zone and laid the foundation for a save chance for Alex Reyes with his performance. The opportunity to work the ninth inning -- albeit in what was a non-save scenario going in -- was presumably manager Mike Shildt's way of inching Hicks toward eventually returning to a full-time closer's role, but in that regard, the attempt was far from successful. Hicks has notably had some issues with control in recent appearances, now having issued multiple walks in three of his last four trips to the mound.
Apr 12 2021Hicks opened the seventh inning of Sunday's loss to the Brewers and fired 1.1 scoreless innings during which he allowed no hits, issued two walks, uncorked a wild pitch, and recorded two strikeouts. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With Hicks having last logged an appearance Wednesday, manager Mike Shildt saw an opportunity to get his young reliever some low-leverage work with the Cardinals down 7-3 at the time. Hicks had some trouble with location as his numbers indicate, but he was otherwise able to turn in a second straight workload of more than 20 pitches without setbacks. The fireballer has yet to be scored on this season through four appearances, and he could soon graduate to higher-leverage assignments if matters continue to unfold smoothly for him.
Apr 6 2021Hicks was credited with his first hold in a win over the Marlins on Monday, logging a perfect sixth inning during which he recorded a strikeout. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: So far, so good for Hicks in his comeback campaign, as he's fired a pair of perfect frames over his first two appearances, neither which has come in a save situation. The hard-throwing Hicks also has only one strikeout through six batters faced, but the fact that he's notched six outs on just 26 pitches speaks to the fact that his location already seems to be back to form after he missed all of last season.
Apr 4 2021Hicks fired a perfect seventh inning in a loss to the Reds on Saturday. He did not record a strikeout. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Hicks required just 13 pitches to get his three outs, an encouraging display of efficiency in his first taste of regular-season game action since June 2019. Zachary Silver of MLB.com reports no ball hit off Hicks was harder than 72 mph, and adds that the right-hander's four-seamer and sinker averaged 97.5 mph and 98.1 mph, respectively, during his one inning.
Mar 25 2021Hicks was credited with his first save since June 13, 2019 in a Grapefruit League win over the Mets on Wednesday, with his velocity topping out at 100.4 mph, Zachary Silver of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Hicks worked around a leadoff walk to cruise through the next three batters in the ninth inning, lowering his spring ERA to 3.38 through four appearances. The hard-throwing right-hander has now worked an inning in back-to-back outings, but president of baseball operations John Mozeliak confirmed Wednesday the team wants "to be smart about it" with respect to how quickly Hicks is thrown back into high-leverage situations once the regular season begins.
Mar 18 2021Hicks allowed an unearned run on two walks and a hit batsman over two-thirds of an inning in a Grapefruit League tie with the Astros on Wednesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Making his second appearance of spring after a 22-pitch battle of wills against the Mets' Luis Guillorme encompassed the first Sunday, Hicks once again put together a rather unusual performance. The flamethrowing right-hander worked himself into trouble with an error on a comebacker and some notable control issues, but manager Mike Shildt kept things in perspective when evaluating what was only Hicks' second taste of game action in 21 months. "I think it's just getting back into competition in over a year," Shildt said. "I thought it was a fantastic outing. Ton of soft contact, around the plate again. I was really, really, really pleased with Jordan."
Mar 15 2021Hicks faced only the Mets' Lucas Guillorme in the right-hander's Grapefruit League debut Sunday, engaging in a 22-pitch sequence that culminated in a walk. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Zachary Silver of MLB.com reports the at-bat took 12 minutes and included six pitches of over 100 mph. It was Hicks' first taste of official game action since June 22, 2019, and while the original plan had been to deploy him for one inning Sunday, he was removed from the contest following the walk due to his pitch count.
Mar 13 2021Hicks, who has been impressive in live batting practices and a "B" game appearance, will next progress to making his Grapefruit League debut at a yet-to-be-determined date, Zachary Silver of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Manager Mike Shildt confirmed the right-hander's imminent spring debut Friday, and Silver notes it could unfold this weekend against either the Mets or Marlins. The eventual appearance will mark Hicks' first in official game action since June 22, 2019 following Tommy John surgery that summer and a subsequent 2020 opt-out.
Mar 11 2021Hicks recorded a clean inning on 11 pitches during a "B" game against the Nationals on Wednesday, his first game action of any kind since June 2019, Zachary Silver of MLB.com reports. "I don't think it would have mattered what lens you're looking [through]," said manager Mike Shildt. "It was pretty darn good." ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander recorded a strikeout while also inducing a pair of groundouts. Hicks, highly regarded for his ability to consistently hit triple digits on the radar gun when healthy, was also recorded at 102 mph in a live batting practice session Wednesday, further corroborating the fitness of his surgically repaired elbow. Assuming he remains free of any setbacks in coming days, Hicks' next step will be his Grapefruit League debut.
Mar 7 2021Hicks, who's already thrown a pair of live batting practice sessions, is scheduled to pitch in a "B" game Wednesday, Zachary Silver of MLB.com reports. "The good news is, Jordan is in a really good place, on track for the season," manager Mike Shildt said. "But we're just taking it rightfully slow and building up the intensity to what that looks like for competition." ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander has been brought along carefully this spring after last pitching in June 2019, but with Hicks passing every test put in front of him thus far, he appears to be on the cusp of game action. If all checks out well after Wednesday's outing, Hicks would likely be deemed ready for his Grapefruit League debut.
Mar 2 2021Hicks was thoroughly impressive facing live hitters for the first time in spring training Monday, Zachary Silver of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Hicks' session was the talk of the morning portion of spring camp Monday prior to the Cardinals' Grapefruit League contest against the Marlins, with manager Mike Shildt describing the performance as "monumental" and fellow reliever Andrew Miller noting it's always an eye-opening experience to watch his bullpen mate throw, even after not facing big-league bats for nearly two years. Hicks last saw game action in June 2019 due to Tommy John surgery and his opt-out of the 2020 campaign as a high-risk player, and he reported getting through his first session without any setbacks. Shildt noted Monday that Hicks will likely work at least once more against his own teammates before making his Grapefruit League debut, emphasizing "[he's] close, for sure".
Feb 18 2021Hicks was impressive in his first throwing session of spring Thursday, Zachary Silver of MLB.com reports. "All the feedback from the pitching coaches, [and from] Jordan, was favorable," manager Mike Shildt said. "Ball was coming out really clean, had life to it. We'll see how he recovers today, but a very positive first day for Jordan Hicks, no question about it." ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander will have plenty of eyes on him as he looks to return to full strength following Tommy John surgery. Hicks last faced bats in live action on June 22, 2019, so he'll presumably have plenty of rust to knock off over the next several weeks. Even though he should get plenty of reps in spring camp and Grapefruit League action, he could start the season sharing closing duties with several other experienced ninth-inning options in the relief corps until he's deemed back to 100 percent.
Feb 16 2021Hicks, who missed the 2020 season due to the completion of his recovery from Tommy John surgery and his decision to opt out for precautionary health reasons, is expected to eventually return to full-time closing duties, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Goold answers a reader question about whether the hard-throwing right-hander has a chance to be named the official closer by Opening Day by emphasizing there are likely to be a couple of moving parts to the equation. How Hicks looks after last pitching in a major-league game June 22, 2019 will naturally be one of the major factors at play, as well as how others capable of handling ninth-inning work such as Andrew Miller and Giovanny Gallegos perform in exhibition play. Goold adds it's his belief the Cardinals will unsurprisingly err on the side of caution with Hicks and allow him to reacclimate at his own pace, as opposed to applying any indirect pressure by officially labeling him the closer early in camp.
Jan 15 2021Hicks signed a one-year, $862,500 contract with the Cardinals on Friday, avoiding arbitration, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Hicks gets a raise in his first year of arbitration eligibility despite the fact that he didn't play at all in 2020. He was already set to miss a portion of the season while recovering from Tommy John surgery, but he wound up electing to opt out of the entire campaign, as his status as a Type 1 diabetic meant that playing during a pandemic would be unwise. He's expected to enter the upcoming season fully healthy and retains the huge potential that comes with his record-setting heat, but his injury history makes him something of a risk.
Dec 9 2020Hicks (elbow/opt out) is expected to enter spring training on a normal throwing schedule, Brendan Schaeffer of KMOV News reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 24-year-old decided to opt out of the 2020 campaign due to some lingering inflammation from his 2019 Tommy John Surgery and the fact he's a Type 1 diabetic, but he's on track to return next season. Hicks had a 3.14 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and 31:11 K:BB over 28.2 innings while going 14-for-15 in save opportunities during 2019, so he's the presumed favorite for the closer's role entering spring training.
Jul 20 2020The Cardinals placed Hicks (elbow) on the restricted list last week after he informed the team that he was opting out of the 2020 season. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The transaction removes Hicks from the Cardinals' 40-man roster, giving the team some more flexibility before it begins its season July 24. Per Mark Saxon of The Athletic, Hicks' choice to skip out on the 2020 season wasn't totally motivated by concerns about the health risks he may have faced pitching amid the COVID-19 pandemic as a Type 1 diabetic. Instead, the 23-year-old disclosed that he recently dealt with inflammation during his throwing program as he worked back from his June 2019 Tommy John procedure. The extra time off to rest should allow Hicks to report at full health for 2021 spring training, at which point he could re-emerge as the Cardinals' top closing candidate.
Jul 13 2020Hicks (elbow) announced his decision to opt out of the upcoming season Monday, Jeff Jones of the Belleville News-Democrat reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Hicks was already expected to miss at least a bit of time as he works his way back from Tommy John surgery, a procedure he underwent in June of 2019. Hicks has type 1 diabetes, putting him in a high-risk group regarding COVID-19. He'll take the safe route rather than risking his health for what ultimately would have been just a small handful of innings in the shortened season. Giovanny Gallegos is the presumed next man up in the Cardinals' bullpen, but he's currently stuck in Mexico due to pandemic-related travel issues, leaving either Ryan Helsley or Carlos Martinez as the primary candidates for early-season saves in St. Louis.
Jul 4 2020Hicks (elbow) threw a bullpen session in the visitors' dugout at Busch Stadium on Saturday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Manager Mike Shildt described Hicks as "feeling good" overall, but he didn't yet have any direct feedback on Saturday's session when he met with reporters after summer camp workouts concluded for the day. Nevertheless, any news of Hicks continuing on a regular throwing routine is certainly welcome and support the notion he'll have a chance to possibly make an impact in the second half of the truncated 60-game regular season.
Jul 1 2020Hicks (elbow) will open the season on the injured list, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The news isn't a big surprise, as Hicks is still just barely over 12 months removed from Tommy John surgery, a procedure he underwent in late June 2019. The Cardinals do expect him to contribute at some point this season, though exactly when remains to be seen. It's also not clear whether or not he'll immediately regain his closer role when he eventually returns or if he'll have to win it back from presumptive favorite Giovanny Gallegos.
Jun 27 2020Hicks (elbow) will be monitored especially closely with respect to COVID-19 protocol when the regular season begins due to the fact he's a Type 1 diabetic, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Naturally, Hicks' surgically repaired elbow will also get plenty of attention, and president of baseball operations John Mozeliak confirms the hard-throwing reliever will be eased back into game action once the regular season begins. Hicks has already been throwing from a mound and has also expressed his intent to play despite the fact he's at higher risk in the current COVID environment. "From the Tommy John perspective, he's had so far a very positive rehab," Mozeliak said. "In terms of expectations, I don't think it's in anybody's interest to lay that out today, but I am hopeful that he does participate in this year's season."
Jun 17 2020Hicks (elbow) would likely be part of a closing committee as opposed to having sole possession of the ninth-inning job for much, if not all, of a shortened 2020 season, Rick Hummel of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Hummel is answering a reader question about how heavy Hicks' workload would be right from the start, with any 2020 season now likely to begin right around the point where Hicks might be healthy enough to pitch. The hard-throwing right-hander will be taking the mound for the first time since June 2019 when he does return, so Hummel's assessment of shared responsibility seems to be supported by logic, especially when considering expanded rosters and a season not likely to exceed 60 games.
May 14 2020Hicks (elbow), who could return from Tommy John surgery shortly after the start of the proposed abbreviated regular season, may play an integral relief role according to president of baseball operations John Mozeliak, Rick Hummel of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. "Given the circumstances of the season, the likelihood of his being able to contribute are a lot different than had it been a normal year," Mozeliak said. "There is some optimism that if we do have a season, he'll have some way of being a key member of it." ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Mozeliak relays Hicks continues engaging in regular bullpen sessions at his home in Houston, usually throwing 30 pitches per outing in an effort to mirror his approximate maximum pitch count in an actual game setting. Tuesday, Hicks worked up to 40 total pitches by throwing two blocks of 20 each, and if the current early-July timeline for Opening Day comes to pass, the 23-year-old will be close to 13 full months removed from his June 2019 Tommy John procedure. However, Mozeliak notes the Cardinals would also be particularly cautious with the hard-throwing right-hander due to his Type A diabetes, as the condition could potentially make him more at risk for serious COVID-19-related complications.
Apr 30 2020President of baseball operations John Mozeliak said Thursday that Hicks (elbow) has advanced to throwing 30-pitch bullpen sessions of "moderate intensity" in recent weeks, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Despite MLB's ongoing shutdown, Hicks' rehab program doesn't seem to have slowed down considerably, as Mozeliak reiterated that the right-hander remains on pace to be ready for game action at some point around the middle of the summer. Goold speculates that Hicks may be cleared to face hitters by the time teams are allowed to resume training, at which point a more precise timeline for his return from the injured list could be established.
Apr 28 2020Hicks (elbow) remains on track to be healthy by some point in July, but his timeline for a return could be affected by multiple factors, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: To begin with, there would naturally have to be a season already underway by midsummer for Hicks to return to. However, beyond that obvious prerequisite, the hard-throwing right-hander will also need ongoing access to hitters to facilitate the on-field portion of his rehabilitation program. How that would come about is also up in the air, considering the minor-league season could be wiped out entirely this year. Such a development would likely lead to significantly expanded major-league rosters that would include a healthy helping of minor-league players, or perhaps a convening of such players in some other setting that Hicks could gain access to. Therefore, depending on the timing of a re-start of on-field activity, Hicks may realistically not be prepared to pitch in a regular-season game until later in the summer or early fall.
Apr 7 2020Hicks (elbow) continues playing catch and visiting the Cardinals' spring training facility for rehab-related work when possible, Rick Hummel of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Hicks has been on a throwing program since January as he makes a return from UCL surgery. It's unclear what level of access Hicks still has to the team's Jupiter facility on a day-to-day basis, but shortly after spring training was suspended, he'd expressed an intention to be a frequent visitor as long as it was available. The delayed start to the 2020 campaign will help wipe out a substantial amount of missed regular-season time for Hicks, who could be ready to return sometime in July.
Feb 12 2020Hicks (elbow) was placed on the 60-day injured list Wednesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Hicks was moved to the injured list in order to create a roster spot for Brad Miller, who was signed by St. Louis on Wednesday. The 23-year-old was already eyeing a midseason return from undergoing Tommy John surgery in late June of 2019. It is possible that the Cardinals will attempt to ease Hicks back from his long absence in a setup role rather than resuming immediate closing duties. Giovanny Gallegos is expected to begin the season as the closer with the recent news that Carlos Martinez will be competing for a spot in the starting rotation.
Jan 19 2020Hicks (elbow), who resumed a throwing program earlier this month, is aiming for a return to the Cardinals at some point in the middle of the season, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Though pitchers who undergo Tommy John surgery typically require 12-to-18 months of rehab time, Hicks' status as a relief pitcher likely means that he won't need the full length of the recovery timeline to build up his arm. Given that he underwent the elbow procedure in late June of 2019, Hicks could realistically have a shot at returning around the All-Star break, assuming he endures no snags in the rehab process. Hicks had served as St. Louis' closer prior to damaging his UCL, but the Cardinals could be more inclined to bring him back in a setup role this season once he's reinstated from the injured list.
Jan 17 2020Hicks (elbow) began a throwing program Jan. 6 and is progressing well in his recovery from Tommy John surgery, Derek Shore of TheCardinalNation.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Hicks underwent Tommy John surgery in late June, so the beginning of a throwing program is a major step in his recovery. The 23-year-old will continue building up his arm strength in the coming months, with a return to throwing off the mound being his next major recovery benchmark. Hicks could make a return at some point this year, but it likely would only be for the tail end of the season.
Nov 1 2019Hicks (elbow) was moved to the 40-man roster Friday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Hicks underwent Tommy John surgery in July, so while he's expected to miss most if not all of the 2020 campaign, the club will move him back to the 40-man roster for now.
Jul 11 2019Hicks (elbow) was transferred to the 60-day injured list Thursday, Rob Rains of StLSportsPage.com<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 26 2019Hicks underwent Tommy John surgery Wednesday, Jon Heyman of MLB Network<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 25 2019Hicks (elbow) will undergo Tommy John surgery Wednesday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 25 2019The Cardinals placed Hicks (elbow) on the 10-day injured list<\/a> Tuesday.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 24 2019Hicks was diagnosed with a torn UCL<\/a> in his right elbow Monday.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 24 2019Hicks (triceps) is scheduled to undergo an MRI on his right arm and elbow Monday, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 22 2019Hicks will require at least a a few days of rest after being removed from Saturday's game versus the Angels with right triceps tendinitis, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 22 2019Hicks will require at least a a few days of rest after being removed from Saturday's game versus the Angels with right triceps tendinitis, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch<\/a>reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 17 2019Hicks worked a perfect ninth inning in a non-save situation during Monday's win over Miami.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 10 2019Hicks allowed a hit and struck out two batters in a scoreless inning to earn the save against Miami on Monday.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 6 2019Hicks struck out one in a scoreless ninth inning to pick up the save Thursday against the Reds.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 2 2019Hicks was removed from Sunday's save opportunity against the Cubs with one out and two batters on, with John Gant coming in to get the last two outs to get the save, Anne Rogers of MLB.com<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 31 2019Hicks (2-2) picked up the win in Friday's 2-1 extra-inning victory over the Cubs, walking two and striking out two over two scoreless innings of relief.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 30 2019Hicks didn't allow a baserunner in a scoreless ninth inning to record the save Thursday against the Phillies.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 26 2019Hicks failed to record an out in Sunday's loss against Atlanta, allowing three runs on three hits and walk.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 25 2019Hicks did not allow a baserunner during the ninth inning to earn the save in Saturday's win over the Braves.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 19 2019Hicks (1-2) allowed two runs on three hits with one strikeout and one walk across 1.1 innings while taking a loss against the Rangers on Sunday.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 15 2019Hicks, who most recently allowed a hit and a walk while recording a strikeout over an inning in a loss to the Pirates last Friday, hasn't seen a save opportunity since April 29.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 6 2019Hicks struck out the only two batters he faced in a non-save situation during Monday's 6-0 win over the Phillies.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jul 15 2018Hicks earned a save Sunday, working around one run on two hits in the 6-4 win over the Reds.Hicks has allowed seven runs over the last 3.1 innings, bringing his ERA up from 2.42 to 3.56. He's just 2-for-6 in save chances this season and he isn't doing much to earn more of a share from closer Bud Norris. The 21-year-old flamethrower has greatly improved his command though, walking just one batter in 7.1 innings this month.
Jul 5 2018Hicks earned his 11th hold by firing two scoreless innings in a win over the Diamondbacks on Wednesday, recording three strikeouts and hitting a batter. He's generated four scoreless frames overall in his first two appearances of July.The young right-hander has managed to hang on to a spot on the big-league roster without interruption thus far in 2018, a notable feat considering he made the leap from High-A ball without having logged so much as a single appearance at any level about that. Hicks has had remarkably few stumbles, and he's now turned in scoreless outings in seven of his last eight appearances. The in-season incorporation of a slider has also been a rousing success, with Hicks generating a 29:7 K:BB in 19 appearances since May 23.
Jun 19 2018Hicks (3-1) earned the win Tuesday over the Phillies, striking out two and allowing one hit across 1.1 scoreless innings. He did not walk a batter.Hicks entered in the eighth inning with two outs and runners on first and second with a chance to secure his second save of the season, but gave up a two-run double to Rhys Hoskins to tie the game. Matt Carpenter gave the Cardinals back the lead in the top of the ninth with a solo home run, allowing Hicks picked up the win with a clean frame. The flame-throwing right-hander now has a 2.13 ERA and 1.08 WHIP with 31 strikeouts over 38 innings this season, but does have 15 strikeouts across nine innings thus far in June.
Jun 13 2018Hicks, who fired two perfect innings in which he racked up four strikeouts during Tuesday's loss to the Padres, now sports a 19:3 K:BB over his last 10 appearances.The 21-year-old phenom also sports an unblemished ERA through five June outings while recording multiple punchouts in four of them. The assumption that Hicks' triple-digit fastball and sinker would automatically lead to an eye-popping amount of missed bats remained largely unfounded until late May, when he began incorporating more off-speed stuff into his repertoire with the aid of pitching coach Mike Maddux. The returns on that experiment continue to be stellar, and with bullpen mate Luke Gregerson now expected to miss another 4-to-6 weeks following arthroscopic knee surgery, Hicks should continue seeing a steady workload for the foreseeable future.
Jun 10 2018Hicks was credited with his first career save in Saturday's win over the Reds, allowing a hit but recording three strikeouts.In the latter stages of May, Hicks began working with pitching coach Mike Maddux on refining his slider in an attempt to boost his strikeout rate. The initiative has been a rousing success, with Hicks now having recorded 15 of his 24 punchouts on the season since May 23, a span of nine appearances. Eight of those whiffs have come over his first four June outings, a span during which the phenom has notched two holds and Saturday's save.
May 30 2018Hicks fired two perfect innings in a win over the Brewers on Tuesday, recording four strikeouts.Approximately one week ago, Hicks expressed a commitment to incorporating more off-speed pitches into his repertoire, partly in an attempt to get more swings and misses and make his triple-digit fastball and sinker even more effective. He's subsequently recorded seven strikeouts over the 5.2 innings covering his last four appearances, with three of Tuesday's punchouts coming courtesy of the slider he's actively trying to deploy more often, Joe Trezza of MLB.com reports.
May 24 2018Hicks, who recorded two strikeouts over a scoreless eighth inning in an extra-inning loss to the Royals on Wednesday, intentionally focused on deploying his slider -- as opposed to his triple-digit sinker -- during the outing, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. "That's my go-to strikeout pitch (and) it hasn't been there lately," Hicks said. "I'm not going to go out there and overthrow for 106 or something that's not going to happen. If I get a little extra and I feel like it, I'm going to go get it. If I don't, I won't."Hicks had set the baseball world abuzz last Sunday by hitting 105 mph on the radar gun twice with his sinker in an encounter against the Phillies' Odubel Herrera. However, despite the considerable firepower residing in his right arm, Hicks hadn't recorded multiple strikeouts in an outing since April 10 prior to Wednesday, and his current 4.3 K/9 ranks him 248th among 253 pitchers who've thrown at least 20 innings this season. While those numbers may not make sense on the surface given Hicks' velocity, Goold explains that the sinker's action moves the ball to the end of the bat, prompting more frequent contact. Consequently, pitching coach Mike Maddux has been working with Hicks on honing a pair of breaking pitches that top out in the mid-80s, in an effort to boost his strikeout rate. The results were evident against the Royals, as both of Hicks' punch-outs came on the slider, and neither offering exceeded 85 mph.
May 21 2018Hicks fired a scoreless 1.1 innings in a win over the Phillies on Sunday, issuing two walks, uncorking a wild pitch and recording a strikeout. Two of his sinkers to Odubel Herrera hit 105 mph, Joe Trezza of MLB.com reports.Overall, the five pitches that Hicks fired against Herrera were the five fastest pitches thrown this season as per Statcast, as the other three clocked in at 104.3, 104.2 and 103.7 mph. The 21-year-old's amazing ascent from High-A to the majors continues, as he's now generated scoreless appearances in nine of his last 10 trips to the mound.
May 17 2018Hicks (2-1) fired a scoreless seventh inning in Wednesday's win over the Twins, issuing one walk.Hicks lowered his ERA to 0.92 with Wednesday's effort, his seventh consecutive scoreless appearance. The 21-year-old right-hander isn't necessarily racking up the strikeout numbers his triple-digit fastball would presumably make him capable of, but his stellar efforts against big-league bats after making the jump from High-A ball is nothing short of impressive.
May 11 2018Hicks grabbed his third hold by retiring the only batter he faced in a win over the Padres on Thursday.The young fireballer disposed of Freddy Galvis on five pitches, inducing a flyout to left to end the seventh inning. Hicks has now generated five consecutive scoreless outings but has failed to record a strikeout in any of them, a rather surprising statistical nugget considering his triple-digit fastball.
May 2 2018Hicks reclaimed the title of hardest thrower in baseball by hitting 102 mph Tuesday against the White Sox, MLB.com reports.The Marlins' Tayron Guerrero held the title for one day after hitting 101.8 mph Monday, but the crown was back with Hicks within a day. Despite that impressive heat, Hicks' stat line is a bit of an enigma. His 1.17 ERA through 15.1 innings fits the profile of someone who can hit 102 mph, but his 6.71 xFIP is fitting for someone who had never pitched about High-A. His low ERA seems more related to luck than heat, as he's allowed just a .182 BABIP and is stranding 87.5 percent of runners. Somehow, despite his impressive fastball, he's struck out just 10.5 percent of batters, and he seems to have no idea where his pitches are going, posting a 19.4 percent walk rate. His -9 percent strikeout minus walk rate is second-worst among pitchers who have thrown at least 10 innings. He's an exciting talent, but all the signs seem to point to heavy regression despite a promising ERA.
Apr 28 2018Hicks (1-1) allowed an earned run on a hit, a walk and a hit batsman over two-thirds of an inning in an extra-innings loss to the Pirates on Friday. He also recorded a strikeout.The flame-throwing right-hander couldn't close the deal Friday, despite getting his outing started on a positive note with a swinging strikeout of Max Moroff. Hicks subsequently issued a walk to David Freese and then allowed him to advance to second on a wild pitch. A Gregory Polanco groundout later, Hicks surrendered the game-winning single to Starling Marte for his first loss of the season. The 21-year-old has now allowed an earned run in each of his last two trips to the mound after opening the season with eight consecutive scoreless appearances .
Apr 21 2018Hicks (1-0) pitched 2.1 scoreless innings Saturday against the Reds to pick up the win. He allowed no hits, walked two and struck out none.The fireballer lacked control in this one, as just 12 of his 26 offerings went for strikes, though given the hitless outing, it seems like "effectively wild" is the better term. Hicks wound up walking away with the win after Yadier Molina hit a tie-breaking homer in the seventh inning. The 21-year-old has yet to allow a run in 11.2 frames this season, though his 6:8 K:BB leaves much to be desired.
Apr 18 2018Hicks notched his second hold in a 5-3 win over the Cubs on Tuesday, firing a scoreless seventh inning.The hard-throwing rookie surprisingly failed to record a strikeout, but that doesn't mean he wasn't razor sharp. Hicks fired 10 of his 12 pitches for strikes while setting down the dangerous trio of Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo and Wilson Contreras. The 21-year-old's ERA remains unblemished on the season, as the sole run he's allowed was unearned.
Apr 8 2018Hicks notched his first hold in Saturday's 5-3 win over the Diamondbacks, allowing an unearned run on two walks over one inning.A throwing error by Matt Carpenter that allowed Paul Goldschmidt to reach got Hicks' inning started on the wrong foot, and the young fireballer hurt his own cause with a walk to A.J. Pollock. That eventually set up an RBI groundout by Chris Owings, but Carpenter's miscue allowed Hicks' ERA to remain unblemished over the first five outings of his big-league career. Given his blistering velocity and early success, it appears manager Mike Matheny will have to fight the temptation to overuse the 21-year-old, as he's already shown the ability to be a late-inning force.
Apr 6 2018Hicks has thrown the eight fastest pitches of the season so far, MLB.com reports.Hicks was a surprise addition to the Cardinals' major-league roster despite never throwing above High-A in his professional career. With the hardest fastball in the league, however, it's easy to see why the Cardinals wanted him on the team right away. He's peaked at 101.6 mph and has thrown eight pitches harder than the hardest one thrown by anyone else (100.8 mph by, naturally, Aroldis Chapman). Oddly, that fastball has translated into a rather pedestrian 21.4 percent strikeout rate through his first four appearances, though hitters haven't been able to square him up, hitting just .154 so far, and he's yet to give up a run. His incredible velocity makes him look like a prime closer candidate down the road, though he's currently not near the very top of the Cardinals' closer depth chart.
Apr 3 2018Hicks fired 1.1 scoreless innings in Monday's 8-4 win over the Brewers, allowing a walk and recording a strikeout.That's three straight scoreless appearances to open up his major-league career, the latest development in the rookie's meteoric rise. Hicks has rung up a strikeout in each of his first three games, as well, unsurprising given the elite velocity he possesses. Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that prior to Monday's outing, six of the eight fastest pitches thrown in the majors thus far in the new season came off the right arm of Hicks, whose two-seam fastballs during that stretch all clocked at 100 mph or more. He also used a 99.3 mph sinker to set down Todd Frazier in Sunday's win over the Mets, flashing yet another lethal tool in an arsenal that projects to afford him plenty of late-inning opportunities over the course of the season.
Mar 27 2018Hicks will make the Cardinals' Opening Day roster, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.Hicks, one of the Cardinals' top prospects, was expected to open the year with Double-A Springfield, but an impressive showing in camp prompted the Cardinals to give him a spot in the big-league bullpen to open the season. The 21-year-old notched an impressive 2.53 ERA, 0.78 WHIP and 8:1 K:BB across 7.2 spring innings, highlighted by a spot start against a regulars-heavy Nationals lineup that saw him toss four scoreless innings while allowing just one baserunner. Hicks is expected to factor into the late-inning mix for the Cardinals, and seeing as the team has yet to name a closer, the flamethrower should be a name to keep an eye on given his potential. He still hasn't pitched above High-A in his professional career, however, so it's also possible that he's sent back to the minors for more seasoning if he struggles to find his footing.
Mar 26 2018Hicks drew the spot start for Adam Wainwright (hamstring) and fired four scoreless innings in Sunday's 4-2 Grapefruit League loss to the Nationals, allowing one hit and recording two strikeouts.He validated his standing as one of the organization's top prospects by neutralizing a regulars-heavy Nationals lineup, generating half his outs via groundballs and facing just one batter over the minimum, Mike Rosenbaum of MLB.com reports. The performance was an extension of an impressive spring, as Hicks had also been effective in two prior trips to the mound. Factoring in Sunday's line, the 21-year-old boasts a 2.35 ERA and has whiffed eight over 7.2 exhibition frames. He could be looking at starting the 2018 season at Double-A Springfield, and general manager John Mozeliak's January speculation that Hicks could even see some big-league bullpen work at some point in 2018 appears even more credible in the wake of his solid efforts.
Jan 23 2018Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak suggested earlier this month that Hicks could get a look in the big-league bullpen at some point in 2018, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.While Mozeliak indicated last week during the Cardinals' annual Winter Warm-up event that free-agent pickup Luke Gregerson would enter spring training as the team's closer, he acknowledged that the team is still "kicking tires" on other options to upgrade the back of the bullpen, both externally and within the organization, according to Goold. While lefty Tyler Lyons, the newly acquired Dominic Leone and top prospect Alex Reyes (elbow) look like the top challengers to Gregerson's role, it's not difficult to envision Hicks entering the late-inning mix at some point in the second half. Though he's been developed as a starter through his first two seasons as a pro and has yet to pitch above the High-A level, Hicks' upper-90s fastball -- which touched the triple digits during the Arizona Fall League -- and above-average athleticism could allow him to find immediate success against upper-level competition while coming out of the bullpen. The Cardinals probably won't completely pull the plug on Hicks starting in the minors this season, but the erratic command he's shown up to this point in his development and a lack of quality secondary offerings makes it likely that he'll be destined for a high-leverage relief role in the long run.