Brian Cashman's concerns over Greg Bird's injured foot were validated Monday.
The New York Yankees have announced that their projected starting first baseman will undergo surgery to remove a broken spur from his ankle and is expected to be out six-to-eight weeks.
It's troubling news for both sides, as the 25-year-old missed all but 48 games last season due to discomfort in the same foot, which eventually led to surgery. He also missed all of 2016 after surgery to repair a torn labrum in his shoulder.
Tyler Austin and the recently signed Neil Walker, a second baseman by trade, will both receive playing time at first base in Bird's absence. Manager Aaron Boone praised Austin in particular, saying: "We feel like Tyler Austin is ready for this opportunity, he was just blocked by Greg Bird," according to Pete Caldera of NorthJersey.com.
It's also possible the Yankees will look at reuniting with Adam Lind, whom they signed to a minor-league deal on March 2, but released him 12 days later.
Although he's struggled to stay on the field, Bird has shown glimpses of upside when healthy. In his 2015 rookie season, he slashed 261/.343/.529 with 137 wRC+ in only 46 games, and in his return last year, he hit .244/.426/.512 with three home runs and two doubles in 13 postseason games.
