Yankees Reinforce Bullpen: Bird Returns as Bednar Takes Paternity Leave
Yankees' Roster Shake-Up Ahead of Tigers Series
The New York Yankees are gearing up to face the Detroit Tigers at home in a crucial three-game series, aiming to rebound from a recent sweep by a rival team. To bolster their pitching staff, the Yankees have activated Jake Bird, a familiar face, to rejoin the bullpen. This move was necessitated by the temporary absence of their closer, David Bednar, who has been placed on the paternity list.
Jake Bird's Reinstatement to the Major League Roster
Jake Bird's return to the major league roster follows a brief stint in Triple-A, where he was sent on June 20th to accommodate another player's call-up. His recall to the Yankees' active roster was announced on Monday, coinciding with Bednar's move to the paternity list. This change ensures the team maintains bullpen depth as they navigate a challenging part of their schedule.
Managing the Ninth Inning Without Bednar
With David Bednar temporarily unavailable, the Yankees face the challenge of filling the crucial closer role in the ninth inning. While no single pitcher has been designated as the interim closer, right-hander Fernando Cruz and left-hander Brent Headrick are expected to share responsibilities, with their usage likely determined by situational matchups. The team will rely on their collective strength to secure late-game victories.
Bird's Performance and Contributions This Season
Jake Bird's last major league appearance was on June 20th, where he delivered a scoreless inning against a different team, allowing only one hit. This season, he has pitched 24 innings for New York, recording a 4.88 ERA, issuing seven walks, and striking out 27 batters. Despite a susceptibility to home runs, Bird's ability to generate swing-and-miss pitches, particularly against right-handed hitters, remains a valuable asset for the Yankees' bullpen.
Bednar's Season So Far and Anticipated Return
David Bednar has overcome a challenging start to the season to establish a strong performance as the Yankees' closer. He currently boasts an impressive 3.09 ERA, a 2.67 FIP, and 16 saves over 35 innings in 2026, coupled with a 27% strikeout rate. Although his absence will be felt, Bednar is expected to rejoin the team within a few days, having likely earned a rest day regardless after pitching two innings recently. The team extends its best wishes to Bednar and his family during this special time.
