Hicks (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.
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."