Ahead of their opening game against the Toronto Blue Jays up at Rogers Centre, the Yankees have made several official roster moves.
According to a release from the team, both Greg Bird and Jacoby Ellsbury have been placed on the 10-day disabled list, retroactive to March 26. Clint Frazier was placed on the seven day concussion disabled list, also retroactive to March 26, and Tyler Austin was officially recalled from Scranton.
Bird is expected to be sidelined 6-8 weeks before returning to baseball activities following surgery on his troublesome right ankle to remove a bone spur. Ellsbury is fully recovered from a strained oblique, but he needs at-bats in order to get back into game shape. He’ll likely stay in Tampa, although the Yankees could have him go to Trenton or Scranton. Boone had said recently he hopes it won’t be too long into the season before Ellsbury is good to go.
Frazier, who has struggled with concussion symptoms since banging his head against the outfield wall in Bradenton, Fla., in February, took batting practice for the first time in weeks a few days ago. He hasn’t been cleared for game action yet, but he’ll likely be ticketed to Scranton when he’s fully recovered.
Austin will likely platoon with Neil Walker at first base while Bird is out. Austin is slated to play first and bat ninth against Toronto Blue Jays starter, J.A. Happ, in Thursday’s opener.
