Yankees demote deadline acquisition Bird to minors

The New York Yankees optioned reliever Jake Bird to Triple-A on Tuesday.

Bird, who was acquired at last Thursday's trade deadline, allowed six earned runs on four hits (two home runs) with two walks and four strikeouts over two innings (three appearances) after joining the Yankees.

The 29-year-old surrendered a walk-off homer in Monday's loss to the Texas Rangers. New York has now lost four straight games since the deadline despite overhauling its bullpen, also bringing in former All-Star closers David Bednar and Camilo Doval.

The Yankees traded prospects Roc Riggio and Ben Shields to the Colorado Rockies for Bird.

Right-hander Mark Leiter Jr. took Bird's spot in the bullpen after the former returned from the injured list amid a flurry of moves.