NEW YORK -- The Yankees continue to believe that Greg Bird's stroke will be a good fit for their lineup as they jockey for the lead in the American League East. As for Gleyber Torres, they're already convinced that he is a difference-maker.
A dip in the lineup paid immediate dividends for Bird, as the first baseman cleared the fence in his first at-bat since being dropped to the No. 7 spot in the order. Three innings later, Torres tied the game with his 12th homer, tops among American League rookies.
In the second inning, Bird launched a high, arcing drive to right field off Nationals right-hander Erick Fedde, marking Bird's third homer since being activated from the 10-day disabled list.