ARLINGTON, Texas — Friday might be premature for a Greg Bird sighting in The Bronx, but it is possible the left-handed hitting first baseman could join the Yankees before the weekend expires.
“Friday might be a little early,’’ Aaron Boone said of Bird’s return from the DL where he has been all season due to ankle surgery late in spring training. “Sometime this weekend I would say is a possibility.’’
Playing at three minor league levels on a rehab assignment Bird entered Tuesday night’s action for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre hitting .172 (5-for-29) with two homers and five RBIs in nine games. He went 0-for-3 with a walk in SWB’s 7-6 loss.
During spring training Bird was being counted on to be the Yankees’ everyday first baseman and bat third between Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton. Tuesday, Boone wasn’t ready to commit to Bird being the regular first baseman.
“We will see how it plays out and matchups and stuff,’’ Boone said before the Yankees’ 6-4 loss to the Rangers on Tuesday night. “Tyler [Austin] has put himself in a very good position and has had a big hand in us winning games.’’
The right-handed hitting Austin has performed very well against left-handers and was in the lineup at DH Tuesday night against Rangers lefty Cole Hamels. Only Stanton’s unreal .422 average against lefties was better than Austin’s .324 entering the game. Austin had four homers and 11 RBIs against lefties.
As for Bird hitting third — as he did a year ago — immediately upon returning, Boone said it was a possibility but not a lock.
“It depends on our lineup that day and matchups. I could say there is a chance he could be in that spot,’’ Boone said. “I like to split up our lefties and it depends on our opponent and not only the starting pitcher that day but how we evaluate their bullpen based on potential matchups we could see late in the game.’’
Boone isn’t simply looking for Bird to return, he expects him to strengthen a very muscular lineup.
“The expectation is that he walks into our lineup and be an impact player,’’ Boone said.
