BIRD WATCHING

Elbow surgery looking likely for Kaprielian

The Yankees got some news on pitching prospect James Kaprielian, and it’s not good. The former first-round draft pick, who recently was placed on the minor-league disabled list due to elbow soreness, is weighing his options on whether or not to have surgery on his right elbow, according to GM Brian Cashman.

Kaprielian missed all of last season with a flexor tendon sprain, which did not require surgery. When Cashman was asked whether this is the same situation or something different, he said “no, it’s the same.”

“Ultimately at this point the rehab process has not been successful without having a continuing issue, so he’s facing some decisions,” Cashman said.

The specifics of the surgery are still unclear, though. Cashman indicated that it is the worst-case scenario, which could mean season-ending Tommy John surgery.

“We’ve made our assessment and our recommendation,” Cashman said. “Clearly you don’t bounce around the country if a surgical option isn’t on the table.”

Cashman also wouldn’t specify on what his recommendation is.

“I’ll wait until the final process plays out before we talk about it,” he said.

Greg Bird sat for the fourth straight game on Wednesday, but Joe Girardi expects him to be back in the lineup Thursday.

The Yankees first baseman has been out with a sore foot, then an illness, but he was available to pinch-hit on Wednesday. USA TODAY & AP Girardi went with Gardner off the bench instead in the sixth inning with the goahead run in scoring position.

“I went to Gardy because it’s hard to turn a double-play on Gardy,” Girardi said. “Birdie hasn’t had swings in five days, it’s kind of a tough spot to have him in but my hope is he’s back in there tomorrow.”