Fansided

X-Factors for each MLB playoff team

By Nathaniel Reeves

Sep 23, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Marcus Stroman (6) reacts to catcher Russell Martin (55) on his three run home run in the seventh inning against the New York Yankees at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 23, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Marcus Stroman (6) reacts to catcher Russell Martin (55) on his three run home run in the seventh inning against the New York Yankees at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 7, 2015; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees first baseman Greg Bird (31) follows through on a three-run home run against the Baltimore Orioles during the seventh inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 7, 2015; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees first baseman Greg Bird (31) follows through on a three-run home run against the Baltimore Orioles during the seventh inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

New York Yankees: Greg Bird

The loss of Mark Teixiera for the year with a fractured leg looks like it could be a huge blow to New York’s chances of advancing far in the postseason. Teixiera was having a great year with a .255/.357/.548 line and 143 wRC+, the highest mark on the team among regulars per FanGraphs.

Replacing Teixiera’s production will be up to a rookie. Bird, a highly rated prospect who was called up in mid-August, will take over Teixiera’s spot at first base for the rest of the season.

Fortunately for the Yankees, Bird has been solid enough so far. The 22-year-old has posted a 142 wRC+ with 10 home runs in 137 plate appearances so far, according to FanGraphs.

That obviously doesn’t replace Teixeira, but Bird has been far from a black hole in the Yankees’ lineup. Bird showed some great power in the minors and could help New York a lot if he continues to do so down the stretch and in the playoffs.

Despite numerous injuries, the Yankees still have a productive lineup, some upside in the rotation and a shut down bullpen. New York could face Dallas Keuchel and the Houston Astros in the AL Wild Card Game, so it needs all the offensive help it can get for a chance to go to the ALDS.

Next: Houston Astros: Lance McCullers

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