Yankees' Aaron Hicks hurts knee in ALDS Game 5, will have MRI

NEW YORK — New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Hicks left Game 5 of the American League Division Series against the Cleveland Guardians on Tuesday with a left knee injury after a collision with shortstop Oswaldo Cabrera on a popup to short left field.

He will undergo an MRI at at New York Presbyterian Hospital, putting his status for the AL Championship Series if the Yankees advance in question.

With the Yankees leading 4-0 in the third inning after home runs by Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge, Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan singled on a fly ball over third base, which both Cabrera and Hicks tried to field in shallow left field.

In his attempt to catch the ball, Hicks tangled his feet and crashed with his left -shoulder onto Cabrera's upper body. Manager Aaron Boone and Yankees head athletic trainer Tim Lentych immediately walked over to Hicks, who remained down for several minutes. He tested his running skills before being taken out of the game.

Cleveland would load the bases with one out against starter Nestor Cortes Jr., and catcher Austin Hedges scored on a sacrifice fly to cut the Yankees' lead to 4-1.

Marwin González, making his postseason debut in pinstripes, was brought in as a defensive replacement. González has had limited experience playing left field at Yankee Stadium, with only eight previous appearances this season.

Should they advance to the ALCS against the top-seeded Astros, a series that begins Wednesday in Houston, the Yankees have some versatility in their lineup in order to cover any lengthy absence by Hicks, particularly with the likely return of DJ LeMahieu (right foot discomfort) to the infield.

González and Cabrera both have outfield experience this season. Since his major league debut on Aug.