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Just a few weeks ago, Yankees’ first baseman Greg Bird underwent right ankle surgery after he was diagnosed with os trigonum syndrome. However, many were sure Bird wouldn’t return until next season at the earliest. In a twist of events, his progress now has many believing he’ll return at the end of the month.

According to Meredith Marakovits of the YES Network, Bird is slated to begin hitting in the cage today. He expects to hit on the field next week, and will also start defensive drills and running the bases. If Bird gets through those steps successfully, he’ll begin a rehab assignment in the coming weeks.

Greg Bird will hit in cage today. Expects to hit on field next week & start defensive drills/running bases… Rehab assignment thereafter — Meredith Marakovits (@M_Marakovits) August 6, 2017

Bird said there have been no issues w ankle post surgery & is extreme encouraged by progress “I can’t wait to get back out there” #yankees — Meredith Marakovits (@M_Marakovits) August 6, 2017

Ever since Bird went on the disabled list, it has been like a carousel at first base, with more than eight players starting at the position. The Yankees were so desperate for production at the position, that they recently moved Chase Headley from third to first.

Despite Bird being injured this season, GM Brian Cashman reiterated that Bird will be the starting first baseman in 2018.