As Major League Baseball (MLB) teams expanded their rosters on Sunday, many New York Yankees fans were eager to see promising outfielder Jasson Dominguez make his return to the Bronx. However, the Yankees have decided to keep Dominguez at Triple-A for now, a move that has sparked conversation and debate among the fanbase.
Yankees Opt to Keep Dominguez in the Minors
Jasson Dominguez, a switch-hitting outfielder and one of the Yankees’ most highly-touted prospects, was not included in the team’s roster expansion. Instead, the Yankees promoted Duke Ellis, a strong defensive outfielder and base-stealing threat, along with right-handed relievers Scott Effross and Ron Marinaccio. Veteran first baseman Anthony Rizzo was also activated from the injured list, while rookie Ben Rice was optioned back to Triple-A.
Manager Aaron Boone acknowledged that Dominguez is “certainly in the conversation” for a September call-up but emphasized the importance of giving him consistent playing time. Boone explained that when Dominguez is eventually promoted, the team wants to ensure he has the opportunity to play every day. For now, the Yankees have opted to keep Dominguez at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, where he can continue to develop.
Dominguez’s Performance and Injury Recovery
Dominguez, 21, has shown significant promise, particularly last September when he hit four home runs in his first eight MLB games. However, his season was cut short by an injury that required Tommy John surgery on his throwing elbow. After a challenging recovery and a subsequent oblique strain, Dominguez has recently been finding his stride again. Since August 14, he has been batting .359 with three home runs and seven RBIs, demonstrating that he’s regaining his form.
Despite Dominguez’s impressive performance, the Yankees have opted to stick with Alex Verdugo, their regular left fielder, who has struggled offensively in recent weeks. Verdugo is batting just .196 since August 14 and has seen his overall season average drop to .232. Nonetheless, Boone and the Yankees’ management believe Verdugo’s defensive abilities in left field remain valuable to the team, especially as they continue to face left-handed starters.
The Strategic Decision to Keep Verdugo in the Lineup
Alex Verdugo, who is approaching free agency, has been a consistent presence in the Yankees’ outfield, primarily due to his exceptional defense. While his offensive production has declined since the All-Star break, Boone has pointed out that Verdugo’s underlying hitting stats indicate that he has been somewhat unlucky this season. Boone believes that if Verdugo can improve his offensive performance, he can provide the Yankees with much-needed depth in their lineup.
However, the decision to keep Verdugo in the lineup over promoting Dominguez has not been an easy one. Boone left the door open for the possibility of a change in the coming weeks, suggesting that Dominguez’s promotion could still happen if circumstances evolve.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Dominguez and the Yankees?
For now, Jasson Dominguez will continue to play at Triple-A, where the Yankees hope he can maintain his momentum and stay prepared for a potential call-up. Meanwhile, Verdugo’s performance will be closely monitored as the Yankees look to optimize their lineup for a potential postseason run. The next few weeks will be critical for both players, as the Yankees assess their options and make decisions that could impact their playoff chances.
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