Yankees Assign Relief Pitcher Jake Bird to Minor League Affiliate Amidst Recent Struggles

The New York Yankees have optioned right-handed reliever Jake Bird to their Triple-A affiliate, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, following an underwhelming performance in their latest game on Monday night. No official roster move was announced on Tuesday morning, although team captain Aaron Judge is eligible to return from the 10-day injured list. Manager Aaron Boone indicated that Judge would rejoin the team "tomorrow (Tuesday)" after the Yankees suffered their fourth consecutive defeat, losing 8-5 in a 10-inning game against the Texas Rangers. Bird was responsible for the loss in Arlington, surrendering a three-run homer to Josh Jung. The 29-year-old reliever has recorded an 0-1 record with a 27.00 ERA across three appearances since being acquired in a trade deadline deal with Colorado on July 31. Prior to the trade, Bird had gone 4-1 with a 4.73 ERA over 45 relief appearances for the Rockies this season, with prospects Roc Riggio and Ben Shields also involved in the deal. Meanwhile, Judge has been sidelined since July 25 due to a flexor strain in his right elbow. Boone stated that upon his return, Judge would serve as the designated hitter to allow further assessment of his arm before...