Hicks opts out

[Cardinals27]

Hicks’ opting out and Brebbia’s injury will open some doors for youngsters like Oviedo and Whitley.

[GameCard]

I don’t think any healthy young player should opt-out but Type 1 Diabetes is a good reason.

[Brian Walton]

Cardinals Pitcher Jordan Hicks Opts Out of 2020 Season

[Euro Dandy]

Seems like a smart decision given he’s coming off a significant injury/surgery and this season is so compromised anyway. He can accomplish some of his objectives of continued recovery without actual competition. Plus, I assume Hicks qualifies as a true opt out, which means he will get paid (unlike some of the others who have elected not to play).

[gscottar]

I have no problem with Hicks’ decision. Coming off TJ and being a diabetic it is certainly understandable.

As for the team I am beginning to get worried about the bullpen. Someone is going to have to stand up and elevate their performance.

[stlcard25]

Probably the smart decision for Hicks. I assume he will still get a year of service time? Injuries have really taken a toll on the Cards’ electric young arms like Reyes and Hicks in their “cheap” years.

[David Martin]

agree with all above.
can’t blame him for this decision AT ALL.
smart is better than sorry.
come back strong in ’21

[Euro Dandy]

stlcard, here’s a tweet for you. Also an article below the tweet that gives more details.

Just to clarify, Markakis has "elected not to play" this year. This means he will not be paid. Players who "opt out" are deemed high risk. Those players will receive service time and a full prorated salary.

— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) July 6, 2020

Yankees: MLB Player ‘Opt-Outs’ for 2020 Season Explained

[bicyclemike]

Echoing the sentiment here. I think it is smart of Hicks to opt out given his diabetes. Plus the extra time to recover from major surgery is good.

I hope Fernandez gets a good shot. I like him a lot and can see closer potential in the guy.

[mudville]

I hope Andrew Miller can do something besides collect a big paycheck for contributing next to nothing like Cecil has been doing for the last three and a half years.

[stlcard25]

stlcard, here’s a tweet for you. Also an article below the tweet that gives more details.

Thanks for that info, Euro Dandy. Hopefully Mr Hicks stays safe and the Cards will get a 100% Jordan ready to close again in 2021.

[jlshetler]

How does Hicks’ decision affect rosters — specifically, is a player who opts out due to COVID automatically removed from the team’s 40-man roster (like a player placed on the 45/60-day IL)? If so, I think this means we currently have 59 men in the 60-player pool, 47 in the Busch camp, and 38 on the 40-man roster, right?
-Joe

[Brian Walton]

Yes, it is reflected just this way on the Roster Matrix. Yesterday, Hicks was placed on the Restricted List.

St. Louis Cardinals Organization Roster Matrix – 2020 Summer/Alternate Training Camps

[jlshetler]

With 59 currently in the 60-player pool, does that create an availability, or is Hick’s spot considered “burned” now?
-Joe

[Brian Walton]

Joe, to the first question, yes. To the second, no.

[jlshetler]

Thanks for the quick response, and the one I hoped!
-Joe

[Author]

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