Greg Bird is off to a hot start this spring.
Down at Fenway South in Fort Myers, Greg Bird just hit his second homer of the afternoon, this one over the Green Monster.
— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) February 28, 2017
After hitting two doubles in Monday’s spring training action, Bird followed up his impressive day at the plate by blasting two home runs on Wednesday. Behind Bird’s two homers, the split-squad Yankees went on to defeat the Boston Red Sox 5-4 at JetBlue Park.
The 24-year-old broke onto the scene in the Bronx during the 2015 season, as he slugged 11 home runs in 157 plate appearances. High hopes surrounded Bird heading into the 2016 campaign, but a shoulder injury forced the first baseman to be sidelined for the entire season.
With Mark Teixeira‘s retirement, the opportunity is there for Bird to earn the team’s everyday first baseman position. With Chris Carter in the mix, Bird will have to earn his Yankee pinstripes and earn his chance at winning the everyday gig.
So far this spring, the 24-year-old is 4-9 at the plate in four games. It is a small sample size, but the Yankees organization has to be happy with his early success.
There is still a long ways to go before we reach opening day. With spring training being extended due to the World Baseball Classic, it could benefit Bird. After missing an entire season, the extra spring training time could help Bird get the rust off as he prepares to battle for everyday at-bats in the Bronx.
