TAMPA — There was a familiar sight at the Yankees’ minor league facility on Thursday.
Greg Bird lofted several monstrous home runs well over the right field fence, looking much like the hitter he was at the end of 2017. The key for Bird this season — just as it was the previous two years — is staying healthy.
A torn labrum in his shoulder cost him the entire 2016 season and he missed most of last year with an injury to his right ankle. Both injuries ended up requiring surgery. The 25-year-old has displayed terrific power, but has never appeared in more than 48 major league games in a season.