New season, same narrative for Bird
Please…not again.
New York Yankees first baseman Greg Bird was removed from a split-squad Spring Training match-up against the Atlanta Braves Saturday afternoon. The reason? He felt soreness in his right foot.
The same foot he fouled a ball of off at the end of Spring Training last March. The same foot he had surgery on last July. The same foot that kept him out of the Yankees lineup for most of the 2017 season.
Talent is not a question with Bird. After being called up in August of 2015, the slugger hit 11 homers and drove in 31 runs in his rookie campaign, all while filling in for the injured Mark Teixeira. Coming off shoulder surgery that forced him to miss the entire 2016 season, Bird hit .451 to go along with 8 homers and 15 RBI’s last spring.
Following his late August return in last season, Bird crushed 8 homers and drove in 25 runs, helping the Yankees reach the postseason. He was crucial part of New York’s October run, belting three round-trippers.
Who can forget that epic home run he launched off Andrew Miller in Game 3 of the ALDS?
By the end of last season, New York had regained its trust in moving forward with Bird as the starting first baseman for 2018 and beyond.
And here we are.
Another foot injury, and Yankees management does not sound optimistic. GM Brian Cashman says he is worried, and manager Aaron Boone is also concerned.
Less than a week from Opening Day, this is not what Yankee fans want to hear.
That said, I have complete faith in Greg Bird and his ability to be a key part of the 2018 Yankees. At just 25 years old, he’s had multiple injuries that would slow down most athletes.
Not Bird.
He continues to come back and play at a high level. His passion for the game and desire to win is not something that can be taught. The world saw it last October.
Like most Yankee fans and the team’s front office, I hope this is nothing severe. I have been following Bird’s progress since he was drafted, and I always envisioned him as the future Yankees first basemen.
That future is now. We’ve seen what Bird can do, but he needs to get on the field and stay there for an entire season.
As the Yankees await results from tests Bird underwent this afternoon, fans can only hope for positive news.
However, New York has options if Bird needs to miss time. Neil Walker can play first. Tyler Austin is more than ready. Miguel Andujar may even be considered. Who knows? Cashman expects the young third baseman to play some first base this year. Now might be the time.
Nevertheless, we can only hope to see the Colorado native back on the field soon. It’s time for Bird to soar in the Bronx.
