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Yankees' Bird makes return from DL after 4-month absence

Anthony Gruppuso / USA TODAY Sports

When the New York Yankees take the field Saturday against the Seattle Mariners, Greg Bird will be in the lineup for the first time since May 1.

The 24-year-old first baseman was transferred to the 60-day disabled list in late June, after a lingering ankle injury sustained in spring training resulted in excess bone growth, and required surgery.

Bird began a rehab assignment August 16 and in 15 Triple-A games this year, has a .998 OPS.

In his return, Bird will take over first base duties and bat sixth.

Midway through the season, Yankees manager Joe Girardi was concerned Bird wouldn't make it back for the 2017 season at all. However, after a productive rehab assignment, the young first baseman is now inserted in the middle of a pennant race. The Yankees sit second in the American League East, while holding sole position of the top wild card spot.

After being named the team's starting first baseman out of spring training, Bird played just 19 games and slashed .100/.250/.200 with one home run. Since then, the Yankees have relied on five different first basemen and have the seventh-worst production in the major leagues from the position.

Bird made an impressive debut during the 2015 campaign, hitting 11 home runs over 46 games with a .261/.343/.529 slash line.

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