The Yankees have been hitting the ball well this season, but they’ve struggled to get production for first base. That’s about to change.
The New York Yankees currently own the best record in baseball. Much of the team’s success is down to the entire lineup’s ability to mash the baseball. The one weak spot in Aaron Boone’s order has been first base.
Neil Walker has started to hit the ball better as of late, but he’s better suited to be a backup. Fortunately, help is on the way. Greg Bird should return from the disabled list soon. He’ll give Boone another powerful bat to deploy in his lineup.
The 25-year-old first baseman has missed all of the 2018 season due to injury so far. He was recently dispatched to Tampa for his rehabilitation assignment, but his return to the majors is growing near. He’ll likely be back in the Bronx within the next 10 days.
Per Boone, Bird’s return is "around the corner.” Ellsbury not so much. Dealing with a minor back injury so he’s not doing baseball activity.
— Marc Carig (@MarcCarig) May 18, 2018
Boone will certainly give Bird every opportunity to win the job at first base. Walker is only hitting .210 in 120 at bats on the season. He’s also entirely devoid of power. Walker does not have a home run on the season.
In fairness, Bird hasn’t shown the ability to hit for a high average during his brief career either. He does, on the other hand, have the ability to hit the ball with authority. He hit nine home runs in 147 plate appearances last season. Given his age and relative inexperience, it’s very possible he can improve both his average and power output in the future. That’s not going to happen for Walker at 32 years of age.
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Bird may not seem like a big return for the Yankees, but he has the chance to correct one of the weakest spots in Aaron Boone’s lineup. That could be bad news for teams looking to catch the Yankees this season.