Jordan Hicks opts out of 2020 season

ST. LOUIS — Cardinals closer Jordan Hicks has opted out of the 2020 season, citing pre-existing health concerns, the club announced Monday.
Hicks, 23, is currently recovering from Tommy John surgery on his right elbow performed last June. He also has Type 1 diabetes, which is considered a pre-existing condition

ST. LOUIS — Cardinals closer Jordan Hicks has opted out of the 2020 season, citing pre-existing health concerns, the club announced Monday.

Hicks, 23, is currently recovering from Tommy John surgery on his right elbow performed last June. He also has Type 1 diabetes, which is considered a pre-existing condition that puts him at a high risk for a severe illness or complications from COVID-19 exposure. Players who are deemed high risk and opt out of the season receive their full prorated pay and service time for 2020.

“We respect and understand Jordan’s decision to opt out this season,” president of baseball operations John Mozeliak said in a statement. “We wish him well as he continues his recovery from elbow surgery, and we look forward to seeing Jordan back on the mound for the 2021 season.”

“After much thought and consideration I have decided to opt out of the 2020 season,” Hicks said in a statement posted on Twitter. “I’d like to thank the Cardinals and my teammates for their support in my decision. I look forward to being a part of winning a World Series in 2021 for Cardinal Nation and using my platform to create more awareness for the diabetic community. #type1strong #DiabeticPhenom”

2020 Season❗️❗️❗️ pic.twitter.com/zxLiq7d7Gc

— Jordan Hicks (@Jhicks007) July 13, 2020

The hard-throwing right-hander appeared in 29 games last season with 14 saves before he underwent a full reconstruction of his ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. In two years as a Cardinal, Hicks has a 3.47 ERA and 20 saves in 102 games.

Hicks had advanced in his rehab program to throwing bullpen sessions, and on the Cardinals’ second day of Summer Camp, he threw an extended bullpen at Busch Stadium. Manager Mike Shildt said the next day that Hicks had recovered well. The team was not looking for Hicks to be available in the first week of games, but Shildt said a mid-August return to the bullpen was possible. The Cardinals expect Hicks to be at full strength for Spring Training in 2021.