Bird is closer to spreading wings
HOUSTON — Greg Bird is getting closer to playing in minor-league rehab games at Class A Tampa.
“I think Birdie’s within the week going to be playing games down there,” Aaron Boone said Wednesday. “Greg’s doing really well, and getting ready. I didn’t look at the schedule today, but he may be days away from playing in rehab games down there and he’s getting close.”
Bird has been out since undergoing right ankle surgery on March 27. His recovery timetable was 6-8 weeks, so he’s about five weeks in right now.
Boone said he would need at least 10-14 days of rehab games before returning to the Yankees.
The Yankees had gotten just a .671 OPS out of their first baseman going into Wednesday though Tyler Austin had posted a .933 OPS himself. Austin went 0-for-3 in the team’s 4-0 win over the Astros.
In other injury news, the Bombers transferred Jacoby Ellsbury (plantar fascia) to the 60-day disabled list.
“Ells is hitting, running and could be in a game within the next 10 days,” Boone said. “And if that’s the case, we’re talking about the middle of the month playing in (rehab) games and he would need at least a couple weeks there before he’s here.”
Tommy Kahnle (right shoulder tendinitis) has begun playing catch. Adam Warren (right back strain) isn't far behind.
DIDI HONORED
Didi Gregorius was named AL Player of the Month for April after posting a .330 batting average with 10 homers and 30 RBI.
Gregorius has put down three bunt base-hits, including one against Justin Verlander on Tuesday.
“He’s really playing a complete game right now,” Boone said . ... Brett Gardner is hitting just .204, but Boone feels he’s “not that far off.” Gardner wasn’t in the lineup against lefty Dallas Keuchel on Wednesday . ... Heading into Wednesday, the Bombers’ bullpen had allowed one or fewer runs in its last 11 games — with the team going 10-1 over that stretch. But with Luis Severino throwing a complete game, they weren’t needed at all.