Update 4:15 pm: The Yankees have optioned RHP Nick Goody back to Triple-A and have transferred RHP Diego Moreno to the 60-day DL to make room for Bird on the roster, according to Mark Feinsand.
After taking home player of the week honors in Triple-A, the Yankees have called up power-hitting first basemen Greg Bird. With Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees this season, Bird has a slash line of .301/.353/.500 with six homeruns while driving in 23 in 34 games. He will back up Mark Teixeira at first base and Alex Rodriguez at DH.
Bird has been impressive in the minors this season at the age of 22, thus prompting the Yankees to promote him. With the bats scoring just nine runs in their last seven games, the team could be looking for a bat off the bench to provide some spark.
The Yanks want depth behind Tex and Arod with the schedule being loaded with games until the regular season ends. Both Tex and Arod are healthy, but the team wants to have a fresh backup with 50 games to go and only three off days during the last stretch of the season.
Greg Bird will be joining the Yankees. Will back up Teixeira at first base and ARod at DH. Long stretch of games so Yankees want a back up.
— Jack Curry (@JackCurryYES) August 13, 2015
The 2012 fifth round pick is hitting .277 overall with 12 long balls and 52 RBI in the minors this season, spending time both in Double-A and Triple-A. The Bronx Bombers have already called up one anticipated prospect once before this season, as they look for youth to add to their roster. As Bird has moved through the system quickly, he now will be able to give players a day off and provide a young power bat in the lineup.
General Manager Brian Cashman refused to trade the number four rated prospect in the system during the trade deadline when teams were calling about Bird. The GM had nothing but positive things to say about the young prospect in spring training, calling Bird the best hitter in the farm system.
During spring training, Cashman called Bird the best hitter in the Yankees’ minor league system. Now he gets chance to help listless lineup.
— Jack Curry (@JackCurryYES) August 13, 2015
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