Bird is scheduled to serve as the Rockies' starting pitcher Monday in Washington in what is expected to be a bullpen day, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Bird tossed a 12-pitch inning Saturday and hasn't recorded more than six outs in any appearance since late April, so he's unlikely to work more than once through the Nationals batting order before bowing out of the contest. The Rockies haven't designated a primary pitcher to work behind Bird, but Triple-A Albuquerque starter Karl Kauffmann is on the taxi squad and could be activated ahead of Monday's contest to give Colorado some added length out of the bullpen.

Bird did not factor into the decision Wednesday, allowing two hits over two scoreless innings against Cincinnati. He struck out one and did not walk a batter.

EDGE Analysis

Bird did his job as an opener Wednesday, hurling two shutout innings before being relieved by Karl Kauffmann to start the third. The right-hander allowed two hits but did not walk a batter for the fourth time in his last five appearances as the Rockies lost their eighth straight. His ERA now sits at 4.73 in June, though he has not allowed a run in three of the last four games in which he's taken the mound.

Bird is slated to serve as the Rockies' starting pitcher in Wednesday's game against the Reds in Cincinnati, Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Bird will get the starting nod Wednesday after the Rockies had to adjust their plans for the series finale in Cincinnati for a third time. Kyle Freeland was initially slated to take the hill Wednesday before being pushed back to the weekend after falling ill, and now Connor Seabold won't be able to start Wednesday as anticipated after picking up an arm injury. The Rockies recalled Karl Kauffmann from Triple-A Albuquerque, but he won't be able to arrive in Cincinnati in time for the game and isn't expected to be available in bulk relief, per Patrick Lyons of TheDNVR.com. As a result, the Rockies may be left with few choices other than to let Bird work as long as he can remain effective, even though he hasn't covered more than three innings in any of his 35 relief appearances on the season.

Rockies manager Bud Black suggested Friday that Bird could work into the saves mix, Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Black is seeking a replacement for Pierce Johnson, who officially lost his hold on the closer role after blowing another save chance Thursday against the Giants. Justin Lawrence is also said to be in the running for more ninth-inning opportunities. Bird, 27, has posted a sharp 3.05 ERA and 43:13 K:BB in 30 appearances (41.1 innings) this season.

Bird was ejected from Sunday's game against the Phillies, Alex Coffey of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Bird gestured toward the Philadelphia dugout after he finished off a scoreless seventh inning, which resulted in the benches clearing. The right-hander needed 20 pitches to get through the frame, so he was likely done for the day regardless. Bryce Harper was also ejected for the Phillies.

The Rockies recalled Bird from Triple-A Albuquerque on Thursday, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

He'll fill the Opening Day bullpen spot left vacant by Daniel Bard, who was placed on the 15-day IL in a corresponding move as he battles anxiety. Bird, 27, struggled to a 4.91 ERA and 1.43 WHIP over 47.2 innings out of the Colorado bullpen in 2022.

Bird was optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque by the Rockies on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Bird made just two appearances in the Cactus League before being moved down, and he allowed three runs -- two earned -- with two walks and a strikeout over 1.2 innings of work. The right-hander will likely be back with Colorado at some point in the season, but for now Bird will report to the Isotopes and work in the Pacific Coast League.

Bird (oblique) allowed one hit in a scoreless inning of relief in Tuesday's 14-2 loss to the Rockies in Cactus League play.

EDGE Analysis

Bird faced four batters in his spring debut, which had been delayed after he suffered a left oblique strain early in spring training. The injury initially seemed to put him in line to open the season on the injured list, but as a reliever who never threw more than 43 pitches in any of his 38 appearances in 2022, he probably won't require much time to build up. Per Thomas Harding of MLB.com, Bird is listed among the Rockies' available relievers for Friday's game against Milwaukee.

Bird (oblique) threw his first bullpen session of the spring Saturday, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Time appears tight for Bird to get ramped up by Opening Day, but he reportedly still has a chance. He recorded a 4.91 ERA in 47.2 innings of relief as a 26-year-old rookie last season.

Rockies manager Bud Black said Wednesday that Bird is expected to be sidelined for the next 4-to-6 weeks due to a left oblique strain, Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports.

EDGE Analysis

Since the Rockies are scheduled to begin their season March 30 in San Diego, Black acknowledged that "it will be close" for Bird to make a full recovery from the injury in time for Opening Day. Even if Bird's recovery from the oblique injury veers closer to the short end of the timetable, he may not have sufficient time to complete a throwing progression in advance of the regular season. As a rookie last season, Bird made 38 appearances out of the Colorado bullpen and logged a 4.91 ERA and 1.43 WHIP over 47.2 innings.