Aaron Hicks returned from the strained flexor tendon near his right elbow in time for the ALCS, but surgery remains an option.

The center fielder was at Yankee Stadium on Monday, two days after their season ended in crushing fashion in Houston. While he said following Saturday’s loss that he didn’t expect to get Tommy John surgery, he acknowledged Monday he expected to have the elbow “treated, for sure.’’

No determination has been made about a potential surgery, although Hicks acknowledged Saturday that Dr. Neal ElAttrache — who Hicks visited in California for a second opinion last month — recommended the procedure.

The surgery would have ended Hicks’ year and almost certainly would sideline Hicks for a significant amount of time in 2020.

You don’t have to search far for a similar situation. Didi Gregorius underwent the procedure just over a year ago after tearing his UCL during the ALDS loss to the Red Sox. He was out until early June and had a disappointing year when he returned.

Rather than follow ElAttrache’s recommendation, Hicks returned to his home in Arizona and felt improvement in his arm. He sent video of himself throwing to Yankee staff members and they sent him to rehab further at the team’s minor league complex in Tampa.

Despite not playing in a game since the injury occurred on Aug. 3, Hicks showed them enough to earn a spot on the ALCS roster. He went just 2-for-13 with five strikeouts, but delivered one of the Yankees’ biggest blows of the postseason, a three-run shot off Justin Verlander in the first inning of a Game 5 win that prolonged the series.

In the clubhouse after Game 6, Hicks was confident he’d avoid the procedure.

“[I] don’t see myself having Tommy John,’’ Hicks said Saturday. “I was throwing the ball around pretty well. We’re now in the offseason, so I’ll continue to get it strong and make sure it’s ready to go.’’