The Yankees announced today that they have placed struggling first baseman Greg Bird on the 10-day disabled list with a right ankle bruise. In a corresponding move, the team has recalled utility man Rob Refsnyder from Triple-A Scranton Wilkes/Barre.
Additional Roster Moves: Place 1B Greg Bird on the 10-day DL w/ a right ankle bruise, recall INF/OF Rob Refsnyder (#30) from @swbrailriders
— Yankees PR Dept. (@YankeesPR) May 2, 2017
A MRI performed on Bird’s ankle today showed the bruise hasn’t healed since the initial MRI back in April. He will be shut down for 7-10 days with no baseball activity.
Bird is hitting .100/.250/.200 with one home run, has had a nagging ankle injury since the end of spring training. After a strong spring, his struggles are at the forefront for the Yankees and this injury could be part of the reason.
Despite his struggles, General Manager Brian Cashman has stood by Bird, saying he is not even thinking about sending the 24-year-old down to the minors. However, one has to wonder whether this move is to give Bird some rest and get his mind right after a 6-for-60 start to the season. Chris Carter will fill in at first base until Bird gets back.
Refsnyder is back in the Bronx for the first time this season. The 26-year-old has gotten off to a decent start with the RailRiders. He is hitting .260/.352/.429 with six doubles and six runs batted in. With the Yankees in 2016, Refsnyder appeared in 58 games hitting .250 with nine doubles.
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