Isiah Kiner-Falefa

Akshita Patel

Isiah Kiner-Falefa To Eat Up Aaron Hicks’ Place? Yankees Fans Raise Suspicion After The Former’s Stellar Defense Play

The New York Yankees clubhouse has turned into an experiment lab. Owing to constant injury issues, the front office is engaged in multiple experiments to curb the depleting depth. For starters, they moved Isiah Kiner-Falefa, the infielder/shortstop, to the outfield, particularly in the center. Isiah has been a point of discussion for quite some time now. His dip in form had put his place in the lineup in danger.

However, with the new role, Kiner-Falefa has got a second life. He spent a considerable amount of time in the center and even generated a fair amount of power on the plate. Overall, his performance as the newly transformed utility player has been just at par. However, Isiah’s resurgence has put Aaron Hicks‘ place in danger. Hicks, the regular left fielder, has struggled to find a spot in the Yankees’ starting lineup since the season began. On top of that, Isiah Kiner-Falefa’s recent play in the outfield has put more pressure on Hicks, who could do nothing but just watch from the sidelines.

   

Isiah Kiner-Falefa Takes A Diving Catch In Outfield, Fans Want Him To Replace Aaron Hicks

Yankees
Isiah Kiner-Falefa (L) Aaron Hicks (R)

New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Hicks has been the subject of much discussion among fans recently, as his struggles at the plate have continued into the 2023 season. On top of that, a recent defensive play by infielder turned utility player Isiah Kiner-Falefa has raised questions about Hicks’ future as the Yankees’ regular outfielder. In a game between the Yankees and Angels, Kiner-Falefa made a spectacular diving catch in center field to rob Taylor Ward of what appeared to be a sure hit. The play quickly went viral on social media, with many fans questioning whether Hicks would have been able to make the same play.

It’s noteworthy that Yankee’s regular center fielder, Harrison Bader, looks set for an early return as he begins his rehab assignment tomorrow. Hence, the outfield space could soon get congested. The fans want the Bombers to choose Isiah instead of Hicks if the decision narrows down between the two. However, Despite the calls for a change, Yankees manager Aaron Boone has remained supportive of Hicks and has said that he believes the outfielder will turn things around. Regardless, only time will tell whether Hicks will be able to turn things around and regain his form as the Bombers outfielder.

Yankees Have Found A New Match Winner In Isiah Kiner-Falefa

New York Yankees infielder turned utility player Isiah Kiner-Falefa came out with all guns blazing in the series decider against the Los Angeles Angels. He took two spectacular diving catches in the center field. Moreover, the utility player finally stepped up with the bat after a lengthy delay. In the seventh inning, with all bases covered, he hit a two-run single and recorded his first RBI of the season.

Isiah Kiner-Falefa
The New York Yankees’ Isiah Kiner-Falefa hits a two-run single during the seventh inning of their game against the Angels on Thursday in New York. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

The man of the hour addressed the media shortly after with a wide smile. He said he had to make a crucial adjustment while grabbing the catch as the sun went down, and he could not see the ball until the very last moment. Isiah recalled his last drop against the Phillies and stayed determined not to let this one pass. Moreover, Yankees manager Aaron Boone too praised Isiah and called him a natural outfielder.