Fansided

New York Yankees prospect Greg Bird to require shoulder surgery

By Daniel Yanofsky

NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 25: Greg Bird #31 of the New York Yankees in action against the Chicago White Sox at Yankee Stadium on September 25, 2015 in the Bronx borough of New York City. The White Sox defeated the Yankees 5-2. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 25: Greg Bird #31 of the New York Yankees in action against the Chicago White Sox at Yankee Stadium on September 25, 2015 in the Bronx borough of New York City. The White Sox defeated the Yankees 5-2. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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The New York Yankees lose prospect Greg Bird for the entire season, and will now need time to assess the situation.

With only a few weeks until pitchers and catchers report for duty, the New York Yankees have received some terrible news. First baseman Greg Bird, one of their top prospects, will miss the entire 2016 season due to shoulder surgery. The 23-year also suffered the injury to his shoulder last season in May.

The Yankees broke the news via their Twitter page:

The young prospect had 11 home runs in 157 at-bats for the Yankees as a rookie last season. He also had 68 hits and batted .264 during that time.

While he impressed with his power and clutch hitting last season, the Yankees planned for Bird to start the 2016 season in Triple-A. If Mark Teixeira and/or DH Alex Rodriguez were to get injured, Bird would have surely been called up to replace them. While he is still on track to become the future of the Yankees, this injury is a small roadblock in their plans.

How will this news affect the Yankees and their lineup? Teixeira is older and his body has been not been the same due to numerous injuries over the years. The Yankees could put A-Rod at first base during days where Tex is not playing. They will have to be careful on how to use A-Rod however, knowing his body is also slowing down. As another alternative, Brian McCann can take a break from his catching duties and play first, or they can switch Chase Headley around.

There are also various talent that are around the MLB. This season, the Yankees went and improved their team by bringing in Starlin Castro, Aroldis Chapman and Aaron Hicks. If the first base situation becomes a real issue, they could always make a trade, or sign a current free agent. Corey Hart and Justin Morneau are still available. Let’s not forget about current free agent Pedro Alvarez. The former Pittsburgh Pirate lefty has plenty of pop in his bat. He could man third while other players take over first, or he could take the position himself. The Yankees could also use a bench player with power.

There are various opportunities for the Yankees that can arise from this disappointing news. One thing is for sure: Brian Cashman is already thinking of ways to improve his team. It’s the Yankee way after all.

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