Bird went 1-for-4 the three-run homer Saturday against the Orioles.

EDGE Analysis

Bird crushed his fifth bomb of the season to extend the Yankees lead to six runs in a winning effort. Although he's homered in back-to-back contests, he's struggled at the plate for most of September, and unless fantasy owners believe he's ready to go on a major hot streak, he'll be difficult to place in lineups with confidence.

Bird (back) is in the lineup for Friday's game against the Orioles, Erik Boland of Newsday reports.

EDGE Analysis

Bird was expected to return to action Friday after missing the last four games due to his sore back, and he will do just that. Bird will man first base and hit ninth against Orioles starter Gabriel Ynoa.

Bird (back) is expected to return to the lineup Friday, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Lefty Wade Miley is due up for Baltimore in Thursday's series opener, and that gives the Yankees a perfect excuse to hold Bird out for a while longer yet. Bird was pushing to return Wednesday, but the team doesn't want this to linger -- he tried to play through an injury earlier this season and it didn't go well. Chase Headley is starting at first base Wednesday.

Bird (back) is not in the lineup for Wednesday's game against Tampa Bay, Erik Boland of Newsday Sports reports.

EDGE Analysis

Although Bird expected to be ready to rejoin the starting lineup for Wednesday's finale, manager Joe Girardi decided to plug Chase Headley in at first base and give the 24-year-old another day off. With left-hander Wade Miley in line to start against the Yankees on Thursday, Bird may be out yet again, but if he's nearing full health, he could be available off the bench for Wednesday's game.

Bird (back) said he expects to play Wednesday, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 24-year-old was sent for a precautionary MRI on his ailing lower back. While the results of that test have not been disclosed, Bird is evidently not concerned -- he said he's feeling better already. Bird is batting just .214/.261/.357 in 14 games since his return from an ankle injury late last month.

Bird (back) is not in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Rays, Erik Boland of Newsday reports.

EDGE Analysis

Bird is day-to-day with back spasms, so Chase Headley will draw the start at first base with a lefty on the bump for the opposition. Look for the young first baseman to return to action Wednesday.

Bird is day-to-day with back spasms, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports Monday.

EDGE Analysis

With lefty Blake Snell taking the hill Tuesday for the Rays, Bird was likely to ride the bench anyway. With the back spasms added to the equations, the Yankees will almost certainly go with Chase Headley at first base instead and let Bird rest until Wednesday.

Bird was scratched from Monday's lineup against the Rays with lower back tightness.

EDGE Analysis

The severity of the issue -- or when it cropped up -- still isn't known, but Tyler Austin will step in at first base for Bird. Consider him day-to-day until the Yankees provide more on his status.

Bird is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Rangers, Pete Caldera of The Bergen Record reports.

EDGE Analysis

Bird heads to the bench for the second straight contest while Chase Headley draws the nod at first base for the series opener. With right-hander Andrew Cashner taking the mound for the Rangers on Saturday, it seems likely that Bird will be back in the lineup for the second contest of a three-game set in Texas.

Bird is out of the lineup against the Orioles on Thursday, Bryan Hoch of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Bird will retreat to the bench following a couple starts at first base in favor of Chase Headley. Since coming off the disabled list in late August, Bird has slashed .235/.289/.412 with a pair of home runs and 10 RBI while getting a majority of the starts at his position.