The New York Yankees received some clarity regarding the discomfort in Greg Bird's right foot, but there is further assessment to be done.
Bird was scratched from the lineup Saturday and sent for tests. The club announced that an MRI and CT scan revealed inflammation in his right foot and that the first baseman will travel to New York and be evaluated by foot specialist Dr. Marin O'Malley on Monday.
"I'm worried about it, to be honest," Cashman said prior to Bird undergoing the MRI and CT scan, according to Bryan Hoch of MLB.com. "I'm not sure what we're dealing with, but when Greg can't tee it up, it's a problem for us because obviously he's a vital member of our organization. We're deep and we have other people who can pick up the slack, so hopefully it won't be long."
This isn't the first time Bird has battled foot and ankle issues. He was diagnosed with a contusion after fouling a ball off his right ankle last season and eventually underwent surgery to remove a bone in his foot, costing him six weeks.
The 25-year-old was expected to be the club's starting first baseman to open the season. In 94 career games, he's slashed .227/.316/.477 with 20 home runs, 16 doubles, and 95 strikeouts.
If Bird does miss any time, Neil Walker could slide over to first base, or they could call up Tyler Austin, who hit four home runs in 17 spring games.
