Yankees' Aaron Boone Speaks On Brutal Move For Newly Acquired Player
The New York Yankees made a flurry of transactions just before the trade deadline, but one of their new players has already been removed from the big-league roster.
On Tuesday, the Yankees announced that they optioned reliever Jake Bird to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre after just three appearances with the team. Bird logged a 4.73 ERA in 45 games with the Colorado Rockies this year before joining the Yankees and posting a 27.00 ERA in his first two games, then giving up a walk-off, three-run homer to the Texas Rangers on Monday.
"Bird gave up seven runs (six earned) in three appearances since his trade," ESPN's Jorge Castillo reported. "That opens a roster spot for Mark Leiter Jr., who is expected to come off the injured list."
The Yankees sent prospects Roc Riggio and Ben Shields to the Rockies in exchange for Bird, and might have hoped he would instantly be a big-league contributor for them. But Bird can remain under team control for three more seasons, so the Yankees have reason to hope he serves as an impact pitcher for their bullpen at some point down the line.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 30: Manager Aaron Boone #17 of the New York Yankees in the dugout before the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on May 30, 2025 in Los...
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 30: Manager Aaron Boone #17 of the New York Yankees in the dugout before the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on May 30, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by) More
How/Getty
Speaking out on the decision shortly after it was announced, Yankees manager Aaron Boone explained that the team is optimistic that the early results won't stand in the way of his long-term contributions.
"I think with Birdy, and I told him this last night, he had been struggling a little bit before he got to us," Boone said during an appearance on "Talkin' Yanks." "It feels like he could use a little bit of a reset. We think he's really good, and we think he's not only going to be good for us hopefully the rest of this year but moving forward after this year, too. ... So hopefully this is something that kind of gets him a little bit back on track and he can come up and still be a big factor for us."
With the Yankees looking to hold onto a wild card spot down the stretch, it might seem as if Bird won't be a factor for the big-league club until next season at the earliest. But several members of the bullpen are struggling, including fellow new additions Camilo Doval and David Bednar, as well as closer Devin Williams.
If Bird can enjoy a reset in the minors and return to his best form, the Yankees will keep an eye on him for a promotion back to the big leagues sooner rather than later.
More MLB: Phillies Rumors: Philadelphia Refused to Trade 22-Year-Old Phenom for Mason Miller
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