When the New York Yankees open their 2018 regular season on Thursday, they’ll do so without their starting first baseman. Greg Bird will undergo ankle surgery and as such, will miss the season’s first 6-8 weeks.
#Yankees announce Greg Bird will have surgery Tuesday to remove a bone spur from the outside of his right ankle. He’s expected to need 6-8 week rehab before returning to game action.
— David Lennon (@DPLennon) March 26, 2018
This is another setback for Bird, who was already having a rough spring training at the plate.
Bird splashed onto the scene late in 2015, when he hit 11 home runs in only 157 at-bats for the Yankees. But injuries sidelined him for all of 2016 and a good part of 2017, as well. When he was on the field in 2017, Bird had decent power, hitting nine home runs in only 147 at-bats. But he struggled to a .190/.288/.422 slash line.
Look for Neil Walker and Tyler Austin to handle first base in the near future. If they struggle, don’t be surprised to see New York promote Miguel Andujar or Gleyber Torres, likely reshuffling the infield some in the process.