The New York Yankees received some bad news earlier this week when first baseman Greg Bird suffered a torn labrum in his right shoulder. His surgery was a success last Tuesday but could be out for the entire 2016 MLB season, per the New York Post.

Bird thanked all the staff of the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York where his surgery was performed. "Can't say enough about how much I appreciate all the support I've received from everyone. Tomorrow I'll begin to work as efficiently as I possibly can to return, stronger than before, as soon as I can to help this team win games," Bird wrote on Instagram.

A photo posted by Greg Bird (@_bird33) on Feb 3, 2016 at 12:57am PST

The 23-year-old prospect filled in for the injured Mark Teixeira for the last two months of the season, where he batted .261 with 11 home runs and 31 RBIs, per Baseball Reference. He played a total of 46 games and had 178 plate appearances with 41 total hits.

The New York Post noted that Bird was expected to start the season in the minor leagues if he did not get injured, but he was the Yankees' top backup just in case Teixeira goes down again. Mass Live suggested free agent first baseman Pedro Alvarez as a possible insurance candidate if ever New York decides it needs help.

Alvarez was non-tendered by the Pittsburgh Pirates this offseason, making him a free agent for the first time in his career. The Yankees are reportedly prepared to offer a minor league deal, but it's very unlikely that the 28-year-old will accept a contract like that.

His agent Scott Boras, who is known to get his way in terms of contracts for his clients, will look to seek a multiyear deal. Alvarez hit 27 home runs and 77 RBIs last season, but he only had a batting average of .243.

However, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said on the team's official website that utility man Dustin Ackley and catcher Brian McCann can also play first base if Teixeira suffers an injury. He adds that the staff will continue to look at internal options and scour the minors for a possible backup.

"We'll continue to scour the market for protection at Triple-A. I would rather try to stay in the arena of guys that have handled the position rather than audition people. The season will take us where it takes us, and we'll have to see how it all plays out," Cashman said.