NEW YORK -- New York Yankees first baseman Greg Bird was activated from the disabled list before Saturday's game against the Seattle Mariners after missing more than three months with a bruised right ankle.Bird returned to New York's lineup Saturday, batting sixth.The saga of Bird's ankle began late in spring training when he fouled a ball off the ankle. It spoiled an exhibition season where he batted .451 and seemed ready to assume the role of New York's regular first baseman after missing last season recovering from shoulder surgery."It's been a long interesting, unique journey," Bird said. "I'm glad to be back now."Bird never got going and was hitting .100 (6-for-60) with one homer and three RBIs to go along with 22 strikeouts in 19 games. The Yankees decided to place on the disabled list May 2, hoping sufficient rest would cure the ankle.Instead, Bird's first rehab stint in the minors was cut short and he underwent ankle surgery July 18, creating doubts if the 24-year-old would return this season.Bird took about a month to resume rehab games and was deemed ready after going 2-for-2 Friday "We weren't sure about him," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "This is a good thing. We feel like we're getting a healthy player back, who's swinging the bat well. It appears like he's ready to play and if he can swing like he was in spring training and the way he did in 2015, I think it could be a really good addition."In Bird's absence seven other players received starts at first base. Chris Carter made 48 starts there but was released July 10 after batting .201 and striking out 76 times in 62 games.Recently, Chase Headley has been New York's primary first baseman. He has made 26 starts there after moving from third base to first following the trade for Todd Frazier on July 18.Headley will continue to see time at first while rotating between third and designated hitter.To make room for Bird on the roster, first baseman Tyler Austin was optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Austin batted .233 (7-for-30) in 10 games for the Yankees.