Yankees' Greg Bird: Expected to bat third

Manager Joe Girardi said Tuesday that he is "leaning toward" batting Bird third in the order, the Associated Press reports.

Analysis:

In the new-look Yankees batting order, Jacoby Ellsbury bats fifth behind Brett Gardner, Gary Sanchez, Bird and Matt Holliday. By breaking up Gardner and Ellsbury (both lefties) at the top, Girardi feels "it makes it harder to navigate" through the lineup. Bird has been on an absolute tear this spring, smacking 15 extra-base hits (seven homers) in 55 plate appearances, solidifying his grip on the starting role at first base.