Yankees demote struggling RHP Jake Bird to minors

Field Level Media|published: Tue 5th August, 11:52 2025

Aug 4, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Jake Bird (59) walks off the field after he gives up the game winning home run to Texas Rangers designated hitter Josh Jung (not pictured) during the tenth inning at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The New York Yankees demoted right-handed reliever Jake Bird to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre after another rough outing Monday night.

No corresponding move was announced Tuesday morning, although captain Aaron Judge is eligible to come off the 10-day injured list.

Manager Aaron Boone said after New York's fourth consecutive loss -- 8-5 to the Texas Rangers in 10 innings -- that Judge would be rejoining the team "tomorrow (Tuesday)."

Bird took the loss Monday in Arlington, giving up a three-run homer to Josh Jung. Bird, 29, is 0-1 with a 27.00 ERA in three appearances since arriving in a trade deadline deal with Colorado on July 31.

He went 4-1 with a 4.73 ERA in 45 relief appearances for the Rockies this year before the trade that sent prospects Roc Riggio and Ben Shields to Colorado.

Judge has not played since July 25 due to a flexor strain in his right elbow. Boone said Judge will be the designated hitter when he returns, giving the team time to evaluate his arm before the two-time MVP returns to right field.

Judge, 33, leads the majors in batting (.342), on-base percentage (.449) and slugging (.711) and has 37 homers and 85 RBIs in 103 games this season.

--Field Level Media

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