Scranton is Bird’s next stop

KANSAS CITY — The next step for Greg Bird: Triple-A Scranton. Bird was expected to play his final game for Double-A Trenton on Saturday before flying and joining the RailRiders in Pawtucket on Sunday, Aaron Boone said before the Yankees’ 8-3 victory over the Royals.

Bird, who hit a homer for the Thunder on Friday, went 1-for-3 with a walk on Saturday. He continues to show positive signs at the plate.

The 25-year-old first baseman is coming back from March 27 right ankle surgery. He is in week eight of an expected six-to-eight week recovery timetable.

“Bird’s doing well,” Boone said. “His at-bats have been good. He’s getting close.”

OF Billy McKinney (shoulder) will join Bird with Triple-A Scranton.

As for Tommy Kahnle (shoulder), Boone said the plan is for him to throw in an extended spring game in Tampa on Sunday.

Then after that Kahnle could join the Yankees in Texas for the end of their road trip.

“Tommy’s really close,” Boone said.

Kahnle has not pitched since April 12.

DIDI SITS

Didi Gregorius, who is 1 for his last 45, got Saturday off with the Yankees wanting to stack righties against Royals lefty Danny Duffy.

Boone also wanted Gregorius to get a mental break.

“I do think it’s good for him to get a little bit of a break and I think matchup-wise this is the one that makes the most sense,” Boone said.

Boone considered Gleyber Torres at shortstop — something the manager wouldn’t discount happening later in the season — but he elected to keep the 21-year-old rookie at second, with Ronald Torreyes manning short. Torreyes had two hits, upping his average to .351.

The Yankees face another lefty in Eric Skoglund on Sunday . ... Dellin Betances suffered a cut on his right hand during the second-to-last pitch of his outing — a regular occurrence, according to Boone, who said Betances is fine.