Yankees make reliever pay after disastrous Dodgers outing

The New York Yankees lost the first game of a doubleheader against the Los Angeles Dodgers 8-2 on Sunday afternoon. No one was great for the Bombers, especially the offense, but one reliever paid the price. The Yankees sent Jake Bird down to Triple-A after a miserable outing in The Bronx.

“Prior to Game 2 of today’s doubleheader, the Yankees made the following roster moves: Appointed RHP Elmer Rodríguez (#71) as their ’27th Man’. Recalled RHP Kervin Castro (#74) from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Optioned RHP Jake Bird to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre,” the Yankees announced on social media between games.

Bird was picked up from the Colorado Rockies at the 2025 MLB trade deadline, but has never grabbed a role with the Yankees. Before Sunday’s game, he had a 4.50 ERA in 35 appearances this season, pitching only 30 innings. Those numbers were not helped by a miserable outing in the afternoon.

Bird came into the game in the eighth inning with the Dodgers leading 3-1. He struck Mookie Betts out, which would be the only out he recorded. After Ryan McMahon let a popfly drop, Max Muncy walked. Kyle Tucker hit a single before Teoscar Hernandez scored Muncy on a double. A walk and two more singles ended Bird’s day with four runs crossing the plate. One more run was charged to Bird after Camilo Doval entered the game.

The Yankees will be buyers at the MLB trade deadline once again, and bullpen arms remain one of their biggest needs. Bird was supposed to help fix that problem after last year’s trade, but he has not been unlocked with the Yankees.

Kervin Castro joins the MLB squad in Bird’s place. He has made just one appearance this season, allowing one run in two innings back in May. Aaron Boone may need him on Sunday night after a short Cam Schlittler outing in the afternoon.