The Yankees likely will activate first baseman Greg Bird on Saturday, manager Aaron Boone said, raising some significant questions about who will be the odd man out on a talented roster that is about to have one player too many.
"We feel he's as ready as he can be," Boone said of Bird, who had ankle surgery on March 27 and went 8-for-39 in his minor-league rehab appearances. "I think he's good to go. The reports have been really good. The at-bats have been good ... We feel like physically, timing-wise, all those things, he's in a pretty good place right now to be starting the season."
That leaves things a little tight for the Yankees, who are carrying 13 pitchers (Tommy Kahnle came off the disabled list Friday). All 13 pitchers, though, might be needed, as the Yankees on Friday embarked on a stretch of 14 games in 13 days. One possibility is sending down first baseman Tyler Austin, who has eight home runs, 23 RBIs and a .535 slugging percentage in 28 games but still has a minor-league option.
"It's a difficult decision," Boone said. "Not a simple one. Not an obvious one _ something frankly we're still working on."
Austin started at first base Friday night. Asked if he is safe, Boone said, "We'll see."
Austin has "been an impact performer for us," Boone added. "He's a reason we're sitting here where we are with a strong record. He's one of those guys who's played a major role in that, and we expect that to continue throughout this year."
