Yankees Release Jacoby Ellsbury and DFA Greg Bird at Rule 5 Draft Deadline

With the deadline for MLB clubs to submit their 40-man rosters before the Rule 5 Draft slated for 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday night, the New York Yankees were one of the few remaining organizations to wait until the last minute to disclose their transactions.

Well, we now have confirmation of the Pinstripes' moves and it will surely come with a compiled rejoice from fans.

To free up space on their roster, the Yanks have released Jacoby Ellsbury (yes, he's still alive), and have designated the oft-injured Greg Bird for assignment.

A report broke leading up to the deadline that the Bombers were seriously considering parting ways with Ellsbury. Of course, releasing the former All-Star means that the organization will have to take $20+ million on the chin.

Additionally, however, the Yankees have added six players -- outfielder Estevan Florial and hurlers (all right-handers) Deivi Garcia, Luis Medina, Nick Nelson, Brooks Kriske and Miguel Yajure.

Their promotions mean that these players will NOT be eligible for MLB's Rule 5 Draft on Dec.12.

We'd like to say that this news marks the end of an era for Ellsbury and Bird, but that would be an utter farce.

Unfortunately, both players' inability to escape the injury bug will see their tenure in the Bronx viewed as nothing but a colossal disappointment.