Update: Greg Bird scratched from lineup with right foot injury, tests reveal inflammation

 

Updated Post: March 24, 8:05 p.m. — According to the Yankees’ PR Department, results from an MRI and CT scan conducted on Saturday afternoon revealed inflammation in Greg Bird’s right foot. The 25-year-old is also scheduled to be evaluated by foot specialist, Martin O’Malley, on Monday in New York. 

 

Orginal Post: March 24, 5:32 p.m. — Greg Bird is hurt again, and Brian Cashman has cause for concern. 

The Yankees’ first baseman was scratched from Saturday’s split-squad game against the Atlanta Braves in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. due to soreness in his right foot. The team announced that Bird was scheduled to undergo further tests — including an MRI and CT scan — this afternoon. According to MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch, Bird was initially examined by team physician Daniel Murphy in Tampa. 

“I’m worried about it, to be honest,” Cashman told Newsday’s Erik Boland. “I’m not sure what we’re dealing with. But when Greg, when he can’t tee it up, it’s a problem for us because he’s a vital member of our organization. But we’re deep and we have other people that can pick up the slack.”

Bird has been no stranger to the disabled list in his short playing career. On the final day of spring training last season, the 25-year-old suffered a severe right ankle injury after fouling a ball off his ankle. Although Bird was active for all of April, the injury ultimately required surgery in mid-July, and he was limited to just 48 regular season games. In 2016, Bird missed the entire season due to a shoulder injury.

In 18 Grapefruit League games this spring, Bird has slashed just .154/.267/.231 with a double, a home run, and four RBI. 

If Bird is not ready for Opening Day against the Toronto Blue Jays on March 29, the Yankees do have some insurance. The team signed veteran Neil Walker to a one-year, $4 million deal as a utility infielder and backup first baseman. Youngsters Tyler Austin and Miguel Andujar are also available, but the two were recently optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. 

Bird’s status will be updated once more information is released. 

 

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