Yankees getting hitting and pitching help in time for the weekend
Aaron Boone and the Yankees are set to get two players back this weekend. Both Greg Bird and Tommy Kahnle will rejoin the squad for this weekend’s series.
The Yankees will take on the Los Angeles Angels this weekend in an effort to erase ugly memories from New York’s struggles against the Texas Rangers. Fortunately for Aaron Boone, his roster is going to get two boosts back in time for this weekend’s series. Both Greg Bird and Tommy Kahnle figure to play a meaningful role against the Angels.
The team activated Kahnle from the 10-day disabled list today. He’ll head right back into a Yankees bullpen that can really use another arm. Kahnle wasn’t having the best season before his injury, but he was excellent for the team last year.
Don’t be surprised to see Boone use him as early as tonight. His bullpen is reasonably well rested at the moment, but they haven’t been pitching well. The Yankees could elect to give both Dellin Betances and David Robertson an extra day off after their struggles in Wednesday’s loss at Texas. Space was made on the roster for Kahnle’s return by sending Billy McKinney back down to AAA.
The Yankees have activated RHP Tommy Kahnle from the 10-day disabled list.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) May 25, 2018
The following day Yankee fans should expect to see the return of fan favorite Greg Bird. Fitting him back onto the active roster will require a tough decision from Brian Cashman. Most expect the team to part with A.J. Cole to make room for the power-hitting first basemen. Cole hasn’t given up a run as a Yankee, but the team still seems hesitant to use him in key situations.
As expected, Boone said Yankees are likely to activate Greg Bird on Sat. Have to believe they will shed a reliever (Cole) to free up a roster spot.
— JackCurryYES (@JackCurryYES) May 25, 2018
Bird should immediately start to compete with Neil Walker and Tyler Austin for at bats at first base. He also can DH for Giancarlo Stanton occasionally against right-handed pitching. Most Yankee fans believe he will ultimately win the starting job at first, but Austin, in particular, will make it very hard on him.
The key, for Bird, as always, will be to try to stay healthy for a full season. He’s been completely unable to make that happen during his career with the Yankees. The fragile nature of his body will cause Cashman and company serious hesitation before moving on from either Austin or Walker.
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Neither Bird or Kahnle should emerge as superstars for the Yankees this season, but both can give their respective position groups a valuable lift at this point in the season. Time will tell whether or not either player can become a key part of Aaron Boone’s squad as the season progresses.