Yankees' Greg Bird heading to Tampa soon; Drury closer to rehab assignment; Warren to DL

NEW YORK – Greg Bird continues to feel “happy with where I’m at’’ in his rehab from right ankle surgery, pointing to a return to the Yankees lineup “sometime in May.’’

The lefty-hitting first baseman is due to transfer his rehab to Tampa, Florida, on Thursday, and he could finally begin getting some live at-bats the following week, whether it’s in extended spring training or minor league games.

“I don’t know for sure. We’ll see how next week goes,’’ Bird said on Saturday morning. His next step is to increase his outdoor agility work, and to run the bases.

But already stability and mobility-wise, “I notice a difference,’’ Bird said. “I’m progressing. I’m getting better.’’

Brandon Drury update

Third baseman Brandon Drury has addressed his migraines and blurred vision issues with anti-inflammatory medication, and he could begin a minor league rehab assignment as early as next week.

“(We’re) just eager to get him back in there and helping us,’’ said Yankees manager Aaron Boone. Drury ran the bases again on Saturday, as well as taking groundballs and hitting indoors. “Hopefully, we’re getting close to maybe him starting to play in some games.’’

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Boone said that the organization is getting close to a decision on Drury’s next step.

“I know he’s been bouncing back well from these workouts for the most part,’’ Boone said.

Adam Warren placed on DL

Prior to Saturday's game, right-hander Adam Warren was placed on the 10-day disabled list due to a mild right lat strain.

"I'd say it'll be a little more than the 10 days,'' Boone said of Warren's return, since he'll be shut down for most of that period.

Right-hander Jonathan Holder was recalled from Class AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and tossed the final two scoreless innings in the Yankees' 9-1 win against Toronto.

Warren gave up one run in 2.2 innings of relief on Friday night. He'd dealt with some discomfort since April 8, but "I thought I could pitch through it,'' Warren said. He didn't feel anything on one specific pitch on Friday night, but the discomfort reached the point where it warranted attention.

"It could have gotten a lot worse,'' Warren said. So, "it was good to get ahead of it.''

Back to work

As for Sonny Gray’s troubles over his last two starts, failing to complete four innings against Boston and Toronto, “I don’t think it’s anything physical or mechanical,’’ Boone said, despite some concern for the drop in Gray’s fastball velocity.

“I think the stuff is there, (it’s) just (about) the execution of the game plan and then boiling it down to as simple as getting ahead (in the count),’’ Boone said.

“We’ve got to get him through this because he’s so important to our club and I absolutely believe it’s in there. Hopefully, we’ll look back on this as just a tough start and maybe he’ll be better for having gone through it.’’

Gary Sanchez sits

After hinting that catcher Gary Sanchez would start Saturday’s day game after a night game, Boone switched to having Austin Romine catch Jordan Montgomery.

“I just kind of made a decision late (Friday) night,’’ Boone said. “We kind of went into (Friday) with an idea that (Sanchez) might catch back-to-back (games) but once it went long, I thought it was best just to give him the day.’’

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