2:22pm: During an October check-up on Bird’s shoulder, two different doctors recommended against surgery, tweets Chad Jennings of the Journal News. However, the injury flared up in the past 10 days or so, he adds.
1:38pm: Though the season hasn’t even started, the Yankees have already been bitten by the injury bug in notable fashion, as Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports that top prospect Greg Bird will miss the 2016 season due to shoulder surgery (links to Twitter). Bird will undergo the procedure tomorrow for what has been diagnosed as a torn labrum, per Sherman. The Yankees have since confirmed Sherman’s report, announcing that Bird suffered a recurrence of a shoulder injury that he initially sustained in May of 2015 (although, clearly, he did not damage the shoulder to this extent the first time he suffered the injury).
While Bird didn’t necessarily have a clear path to at-bats on the Opening Day roster, he figured to serve, at the very least, as a highly valuable depth piece and perhaps the first line of defense in the event of an injury to either Mark Teixeira or Alex Rodriguez. Teixeira, in particular, was prone to injuries in 2015, which is the reason that Bird was even called upon to make what turned out to be an impressive rookie season. In 178 plate appearances, Bird batted .261/.343/.529 with 11 home runs.
Some might speculate that this makes the Yankees more likely to add a left-handed-hitting first base/DH option, and while that may make sense on a minor league deal, it’s tough to see the team now fitting an additional bat onto its 25-man roster when Bird wasn’t even expected to open the season there. In the event of an injury to Rodriguez, the team could simply move Carlos Beltran to DH and use Brett Gardner, Jacoby Ellsbury and the newly acquired Aaron Hicks in the outfield as well.
Oh no. Very bad for the Yankees
This sucks. I’m bitter. I hope he recovers well.
That is unfortunate.
They should sign Pedro Alvarez, with thar RF fence he will hit lots of homers.
Yeah, that seems like the best plan of action for them now on a one year deal. Plus he’s from the Bronx isn’t he?
Yeah piggy backing what Steve said, as long as both ARod and Tex are there, Pedros not really a fit for them. Too bad G.I Jones is off in Japan, he could have been a decent fit.
Fun Fact about the Bull, despite growing up in New York City, he was actually a big Red Sox fan when he was younger.
Bird was going to open the season in Triple-A anyhow most likely (barring a Spring Training injury to A-Rod or Tex). This doesn’t really create an immediate opening on their roster so much as it just vastly thins out their depth. I could see this leading to an addition of someone like Chris Parmelee — left-handed hitter with some power that is probably headed to AAA to open a season anyhow — but I don’t think it has ramifications on the Major League roster.
Dustin Ackley does have a lot of 1B experience. Betting he’s the one to move to the starting lineup from the bench if Tex or A-Rod get hurt.
I’d also look at Gary Sanchez, McCann is still under contract for 3 years, so he could slide into a backup C role while DHing or playing 1B on other days. Sanchez’s bat is pretty much MLB-ready.
Ackley has only played 22 games at 1B. And none in the minors either.
He played first his last year in college.
College is a bit different than the mlb, and relying on Dustin Ackley may work for a week, but after that he will return to his normal .220 batting average
Sanchez’s bat is mlb ready. I would like to see him repeat the immense progress he made last year with another year in scranton.
Austine romine – not flashy, but he is a solid defensive catcher, and he hit well enough in scranton last year. In addition, he provides flexibility, which is going to be key for the Yankees, because he worked at playing 1b last year in Scranton. He has worked real hard to cut himself out a role with the Yankees, and I believe he will be rewarded.
The Yankees are in an odd situation – and will rely on roster flexibility to be successful. Half the team is older than dirt (but still quality players) and will need days off – beltran, McCann, Tex, arod, and to an extent Ells and Gardner. Headley had the throwing yips last year. It’s funny that prob the most reliable players are an extremely light hitting ss and a Cubs cast off that needs to find his way. Hicks will be rotating thru the of and be the primary def replacement for Beltran in close games (Notice I haven’t even mentioned the question marks in the pitching staff). That 25th man is going to be a revolving door where we are going to see a lot of new faces, depending out need for each series.
If maccan goes down – austine romine and prob a call up for Sanchez.
If Tex goes down – we will see more ackley
If Beltran – slade heathcott (if he can stay healthy) and possibly some Ben gamel and mason Williams. Judge needs time in Scranton to work on his pitch recognition.
Arod – isn’t much of a roster concern – just means more rest for the rest.
Most likley scenario is more use of romine and a call up shuffle for additional relief pitchers/spot starters (pazos, barbuto, and mitchell)
Not a good start for my team 🙁
Not a good start at all for my team
Interesting timing he was having problems last year with the injury now he gets surgery?
seems confinient especially since a lot of questions have been asked to Cashman about how can you keep this guy in the minors
There is zero chance, and I can’t emphasize zero enough, that the Yankees are pushing shoulder surgery on one of their top prospects because Cashman doesn’t want to answer questions about service time.
That really is too bad. He is shaping up to be an exciting player and was in line for more MLB experience this year.
Any chance they trade for some depth at first?
Probably can’t get a Josh Bell / Matt Olson / AJ Reed but
someone in the Christian Walker / Dan Vogelbach / Jesús Aguilar perhaps?
See anything of this caliber happening Steve?
Josh Bell? The Pirates… already razor-thin at first-base would not trade their only long-term asset who is earmarked to play first-base, possibly even this year. So I would agree that they “probably” can’t get a Josh Bell… a first-round talent they selected early in Round 2.
Lol why would the Yankees trade for one of the top first base prospects? It’s not like Bird’s career is over
I could actually see Aguilar as an option. He’s only got 1 option left, & not much future in Cleveland with 1B prospects Nellie Rodriguez, Mike Papi, & Bobby Bradley all rising through the ranks fast.
No need to trade anyone. Justin Morneau and Pedro Alvarez both available.
Nope, that won’t work. That would be signing a free agent. No free agents for the Yankees this year. LOL
Pedro would dwarf Bird in no time, making him a forgotten man. Alvarez would be like signing Jose Bautista all over again. Easy 40+ homer in that park for Alvarez.
He’s also a decent 3rd bagger – don’t believe in the one season of throwing yips… his glove and arm are above par. Bat is rediculous. Pirates will regret losing him for nothing guaranteed.
Bummer, for both Bird and the Yankees.
Not a yanks fan, but bummed to see him go.
Terrible news for the future hall of famer. Hope he comes back healthy.
Your trolling is bad SlothBroth
Sorry… I forgot the “Future Hall of Famer™” for your fanbase slogan.
I’d like to know what Yankee fan called Greg Bird a “future Hall of Famer”. Are you confusing Yankee fans witih Peter Gammons who practically calls everyone, more so in the Red Sox organization,, a future HOFer?
See, wrong fan base silly (not Peter Gammons articles, but my point stands)
masslive.com/redsox/index.ssf/2015/01/the_next_fiv…
boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/extras/extra_bas…
bostonglobe.com/sports/2015/07/22/who-will-next-re…
I don’t know where people get the idea you’re a Yankee fan lol
Thank you for reminding everybody of Gammons’ long-time overhype of anyone/everyone in a Red Sox uniform.
…Consistently sickening.
a.disquscdn.com/uploads/mediaembed/images/3147/297…
Then why does this exist?
I wished him well.
That image is horrible.. Why don’t you show me a quote then from a fan who said he was, as opposed to a picture who could have been made by anyone.. I’ve already listed references not from fans, but actual Jouranlists from Sox writers who are already calling these young Sox players possible future HOFers. My goodness.
Hahaha. Those are hilarious. Kinda like an article they had linked the other day talking about the Mets becoming a dynasty, despite the fact they haven’t won anything yet.
I remember that too. Though I saw some comments and many Met fans even agreed. No dynasty unless they win something.
I have never heard any of the publications you cited as saying Red sox prospects are future hall of famers. only Yankee fans say this.
The links are there for you to look at. I’m not sure why you’re saying “you never heard of this”. Click the link and you’ll see for yourself. All talk is about these young Red Sox players being potential HOFers
One of them even lists Christain Vazquez as one lol
I’d like to know why this little kid hasn’t been banned from commenting. He or she NEVER has anything meaningful to say about teams or players.
It’s the internet man. There are trolls everywhere.
mlbtraderumors.com/2015/12/jose-fernandez-rumors-1…
yanks020262 months ago
I love how Red Sox fans act like their prospects are the greatest ever and future hall of famers already.
To be fair he’s pretty bad even when he doesn’t troll.
Given that you never know if a player will rebound from injury, especially year long recovery, Yankees may be inclined to trade for “Future” 1B and someone who can spell Tex this year.
Freeman, Bourn, and Touki Toussaint for Bird, Headley, and Gary Sanchez
lol thats never, ever happening. Plus it would block Bird when the Yankees have said they 100% WILL be playing Judge, Refsnyder, Bird and Sanchez in the everyday lineup once the current veterans deals expire. They refused to trade Refsnyder to Oakland for Zobrist, they are not trading any of those 4 guys, who might as well be called “Core Four 2.0”
The only team to not sign a MLB FA this year: The Yankees. Times are changin’
I agree it’s not happening, but he did include Bird in the deal, so he couldn’t be blocked…
Agreed to the point of the “Core 4” and possibly new changing methodology of the Yankees. But until it actually happens, I will believe it.
And yes, included Bird in regards to the “blocking” issue and Bird would replace Freeman at first in 2017. If Freeman is in fact 100% healed, would smoothly transition from Tex to Freeman stats wise.
Yankees get starter in rotation, top pitching prospect which they are short on while taking on a bad contract for 2 unproven prospects and a good balanced contract.
Yuck! As a Braves fan that disgusts me lol.
By all means, use Freddie Freeman to “spell” Tex at 1B. Think that might be a little overkill?
As a Braves can, what is the problem. Bird has been deemed the heir apparent at 1B replacing Tex after his $21M a year contract is done. We have no one in the pipeline behind the dish because CB was supposed to be the man and our 3B options are a couple years out.
“Spelling” Tex at 1B was meant just to use Freddie at first when rotating Tex, Freddie, or ARod at DH. With Chase in the trade, ARod can still play in the field.
@gogerty: Freeman alone would get Bird/Sanchez. I actually think for the Braves to trade Freeman it would take Judge/Bird/Sanchez.
As a Braves fan I would love that. But as previous commenters and I think most Yankee fans, I doubt they would give up 2 of their top five prospects and a major league ready 1B. My thoughts as a Braves fan is we have 2 3B prospects a few years out (Headley covers), no C prospects, and Freeman, while I love him is scheduled to make nearly $100M over next 6 years.
Clear Bourn with an everyday third baseman in Headley, Swish and Kelly Johnson cover 1B for the year until bird returns and in 2017 are biggest contract is Headley at $13M.
Not that this all matters, but my opinion on why trade works for both.
Yeah. I’m a Braves fan too…
This is unfortunate, but not earth shattering. Definitely thins out the depth, but I don’t see an Alvarez signing. Cash and Girardi like to keep the roster flexible, so I’d be inclined to think that a more defensive-minded 1B will be acquired before Alvarez. Probs going to be someone on a minor-league deal.
Where’s John Olerud or Nick Johnson when you need them, lol.
They can take back Swisher.
Ike Davis on a minor-league pact?
I’m sure LaRoche is available if you’re interested.
Don’t get why people who so clearly don’t follow the Yankees at all are making comments. As a couple of people have said, Bird woildn’t have been on the 25-man. Their backups at first are Ackley, McCann, and A-Rod if they plan on working him there any more. (They certainly should now, as he could be a helpful depth piece in 2017 with Teixeira possibly gone and Bird coming off injury.)
The biggest concern is Bird accruing a year’s worth of service time due to being hurt. He will, right?
Yes he will, but thats not the biggest concern. Look at the drop off in players production like BJ Upton, Matt kemp, and Adrian Gonzalez after labrum surgery on their lead shoulders
I thought he could be optioned to the minors when injured (at least before he’s put on the DL, then he doesn’t accrue MLB service time.
Only if he’s on the 60-day DL.
McCann slides to first when he can’t catch . That’s was the plan when u signed him
News could have been way worse.
It;s still early, plenty of time for more bad news.
Very true, though that can be said for basically any team in the league.
Hate to see this. I feel like this guarantees Texeira will be back for 2017, when Bird was supposed to take over. I just don’t see how he could be ready for full-time duty in the majors when he’s going to lose a full seasons worth of at-bats. Tough blow for him, hope he’s able to bounce back.
Is there a list of Free agent First Basemen for the 2017 season ?
(Veteran to possibly platoon with Bird as he regains form ?)
Hate to see this. I feel like this pretty much guarantees Tex will be back for 2017, when Bird was supposed to take over. It’s difficult to imagine him being ready for full-time duty after missing a full seasons worth of at-bats.
Depends on what kind of year he has. He might want 2 -3 years to stay, and with Arod leaving after 2017, maybe he will have the leverage to get it.
Cashman said they will be looking for 1B insurance in AAA and for now, it will be Tex/Ackley at 1B.
Injuries are always every teams 600 pound gorillas in the room.. And no team in baseball looking to win has more. gorillas than the Yankees.. A perfect injury storm waiting to happen…
Tasteful comment.
Nick Swisher to the rescue…..LOL
lol @ nick swisher… One of my few yankee memories of him was pitching in that one game and sorta laughing between pitches.
Yeah that was pretty humorous? So not taking him back? Haha
How is this a season ending injury? I’ve had labrum repairs on both my shoulders and recovery time was 3 months and I was older than him when I underwent the same procedure. I understand baseball activities, but WTF all year?
Even if you take an extra month for recovery that puts him in June to resume “baseball activities”. I think he could be ready for July/August debut.
When I tore my labrum I was told it’d be 6-9 months before I could resume baseball activities, so accounting for the fact that he’s a top prospect of the Yankees, sitting out the entire year is probably the best for both parties.
Tough, i feel for you yank fans. This is similar to Jays rookie mvp of april devon travis. (last mid may-this may hes out)…
Now, at least a pro is this creates another opportunity for someone else to step up. Maybe you’ll uncover a gem.
Best wishes for a full recovery, labrum is a tough one.
Any chance he can start playing any sort of games by the end of the year, or is this a year long process . I know Tex is playing first this year, but to me this is a major set back, A year of seasoning, Probally 200 to 300 at bats in the bigs and another 200 to 300 in Triple AAA. I really thought he would be all set to start 2017 as the starting first baseman, I think 2018 is more likely, unless he can play fall ball or winter league. Maybe I’m wrong and I really hope I am. 2017 The Yanks could have 2 or 3 rookies starting, Bird/Judge and maybe Mateo. Man I really don’t think some people realize how big of a loss this is…………
The Astros would be happy to trade Jon Singleton.
Could a white sox fan interest the Yankees in LaROACH? We’d even through in Ventura, and the entire front office for nothing.
I will take that trade, for David Cone and Ruben Rivera, only if the Sox pay 95% of salary