Greg Bird Prospect To Miss 2016

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Yankees prospect Greg Bird to miss 2016 season - Greg Bird, who provided crucial depth for the New York Yankees in 2015 and is one of their best young power hitters, will miss the 2016 season after suffering a torn labrum in his right shoulder.

Bird, 23, hit 11 homers and had an .871 on base plus slugging percentage in 178 plate appearances last season, filling in when first baseman Mark Teixeira suffered a season-ending shin injury in August.

Bird was expected to fill a similar role this season as insurance against aging stars like Teixeira and designated hitter Alex Rodriguez.

Now, his focus will turn to 2017, when he may be penciled in to replace Teixeira, a free agent after this season.

Bird will undergo surgery to repair his labrum Tuesday, the Yankees announced.