The Yankees have added Aaron Hicks and CC Sabathia to their 25-man roster for the American League Championship Series against the Astros, the team announced Saturday.
The move comes after Hicks and Sabathia missed time because of injuries. They both were on the field at Minute Maid Park on Friday where Hicks tested his right elbow and Sabathia worked out his sore left shoulder.
Hicks hasn't played since Aug. 3 after being placed on the 60-day injured list with a strain near his elbow, missing the ALDS. He was facing the possibility of having Tommy John surgery after he was shut down from his rehab program in early September. But he opted not to have surgery at that time.
"The good thing is he's put himself in this position to make that decision," manager Aaron Boone said of Hicks. "He's good physically. Obviously hasn't had the kind of reps or games that you'd like, but he has certainly put himself in a position to be considered. As good a player as he is, that's exciting."
Sabathia, on the other hand, had knee issues during the season and most recently dealt with a shoulder injury. He wasn't ready to return for the ALDS.
“Just getting that much rest, it feels good,” Sabathia said (per MLB.com). “I felt good enough in that bullpen (session on Wednesday at Yankee Stadium) to hopefully go out and help the team. … It's what I'm here for, to try and win a championship. I'll just have to wait and see how it shakes out tomorrow.”
Boone said he was "encouraged" by Sabathia's progress.
"Just talking to him when he came in, said he felt good," Boone said (via ESPN). "Frankly, looked really good. I was really excited about how he looked. He was sharp. He was able to really finish his pitches. He's very much in the conversation now."
In a corresponding move, Luke Voit and Tyler Wade were left off the roster to make room for the veterans.
Game 1 of the series is set for Saturday at 8:08 p.m. ET.