HOUSTON — Reggie Jackson didn’t think he was talking into a live radio mic prior to Sunday’s Game 2 of the Yankees-Astros ALCS series at Minute Maid Park.

And when he found out differently, he delivered an apology to Giancarlo Stanton.

Asked about Stanton not being in the starting lineup due to a right quadriceps problem he sustained running to first base in Game 1 Saturday night, Jackson used some salty language while being interviewed by SiriusXM host Jim Bowden.

“Thinking it can’t go on the air with the swear words, I said, ‘F–k, he has missed 150 freakin’ games, so what the f–k,'” Jackson said. “I almost choked when they said they were live. I immediately spoke to Jason Zillo [Yankees PR head] and he advised I go in and talk to Stanton, which I did. He graciously accepted my faux pas.’’

Aaron Hicks didn’t start for a second straight game after being put on the Yankees’ ALCS roster, but did appear as a pinch hitter in the 10th and grounded out.

“I felt like I was ready for the at-bat. I didn’t swing out of the zone and put good wood on it,’’ Hicks said.

Hicks said if he gets the chance to start, he will be ready, but he didn’t second-guess Aaron Boone for starting Cameron Maybin. After batting, Hicks remained in the game in center field with Brett Gardner sliding over to left.

“Cam has been great for us. He is the guy who has had at-bats here and been huge for us,’’ Hicks said of Maybin, who went 1-for-2 with a walk. “I can’t get mad at not playing.’’

Boone credited his coaches and the analytics department for the Yankees’ outstanding defensive performance in Game 1, when the team turned in three double plays and watched DJ LeMahieu scoop three throws out of the dirt.

“[Carlos Mendoza and Reggie Willits] and our analytics pour a lot into that every series, every game,’’ Boone said about positioning players correctly. “Maybe it is a little more intense in the postseason, but we pour a lot into that no matter the series.’’

With Wednesday’s weather report calling for rain in the Bronx, Game 4 of the ALCS could be in jeopardy, and that could alter the Yankees’ and Astros’ pitching plans. Neither club has a starter listed for Game 4.

Luis Severino will throw a bullpen Monday at Yankee Stadium and participate with Boone in press conferences with the media. Players requiring treatment will also be at the Stadium. But the Yankees are not holding a workout.

Since Bob Boone works for the Nationals, Aaron Boone has to think about what he says to his dad these days because the Yankees could meet the Nationals in the World Series.

Aaron spoke to Bob on the phone following the Yankees’ Game 1 victory over the Astros.

“I have to be careful with what I say. I don’t want him sneaking information out of me,’’ Aaron said.