Yankees Recall Jake Bird as David Bednar Takes Paternity Leave

The New York Yankees are looking to move past a disappointing sweep by the Boston Red Sox as they gear up for a three-game series against the Detroit Tigers starting Monday. The team is shaking things up in the bullpen with the return of familiar face Jake Bird, who has been recalled from Triple-A Scranton.

Bird’s return comes as the Yankees place closer David Bednar on the paternity list. The announcement was made via the team’s social media channels, marking a significant shift in the bullpen dynamics. While the Yankees navigate Bednar’s absence, it remains uncertain who will step into the primary ninth-inning role. Right-hander Fernando Cruz and lefty Brent Headrick are likely candidates, with their usage dependent on matchups.

Bird last took the mound in the majors on June 20 against the Cincinnati Reds, where he pitched a scoreless inning allowing just one hit. This season, he has thrown 24 innings for New York, accumulating a 4.88 ERA, seven walks, and 27 strikeouts. Although he has shown improvement compared to his brief stint in 2025, Bird still struggles with giving up home runs, allowing 1.5 per nine innings. However, his ability to generate swings and misses, especially against right-handed hitters, could prove valuable in the coming games. In his recent time at Scranton, he pitched just once, tossing 1.1 scoreless innings while striking out two batters.

On the flip side, Bednar has established himself as a reliable closer this season, boasting a solid 3.09 ERA, a 2.67 FIP, and 16 saves over 35 innings pitched. His 27-percent strikeout rate highlights his effectiveness, and while he will be missed, the Yankees expect him back in a few days. Given that Bednar threw two innings the night before, he was likely to be unavailable against Detroit regardless. The Yankees extend their best wishes to Bednar and his family during this exciting time.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.