Hicks misses another game with back issue

TAMPA — Aaron Hicks was out of the lineup for a third straight day Tuesday with back stiffness. The Yankees center fielder’s back apparently stiffened up after Friday night’s game and he was held out of the game and workouts Sunday.

On Monday, Hicks was not in the lineup for a game against the Braves, which was in danger of not happening because of rain, but was listed in the hitting groups for later in the day.

Clint Frazier, who left Sunday’s split-squad game after being hit in the left forearm with a pitch, was also not in the lineup Tuesday. He was in the clubhouse and said he was fine. Frazier was also on the schedule to take batting practice.

Boone had indicated that Hicks would be back in the lineup on Tuesday.

“He should be good to go . ... I knew he came in for treatment _ was a little stiff. So I just called him and said with the off day (on Monday), let’s just (shut you down for Sunday),” the Yankee manager had said on Sunday. “He felt good today. I am not anticipating any problem. He should be in there Tuesday.”

Hicks signed a seven-year, $70 million extension with the Yankees last month. While a good deal for the Yankees in terms of giving them a $10 million annual average value, it was a risk with his history of injuries.

Hicks has missed time with injuries to both hamstrings, an oblique injury and an intercostal injury in his time with the Yankees. Last season was the first that Hicks played in more than 125 games.

Over the last two seasons, Hicks posted a .838 OPS with a .368 on-base percentage. He is just one of eight American League players to reach both of those marks with at least 200 games played, joining Jose Altuve, Mookie Betts, Alex Bregman, Aaron Judge, J.D. Martinez, Jose Ramirez and Mike Trout.

Hicks hit .248/.366/.467 last season with 27 home runs and 79 RBI last season.