Jasson Dominguez, the New York Yankees top prospect was called up to major league last week following massive fan backlash over his snub on September 1. Part of the fans’ frustration stemmed from left fielder Alex Verdugo’s career-worst slump. Yet, Verdugo continues to get playing time.
New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman earlier mentioned that he expects Jasson Dominguez to play everyday once he stepped into the Yankee Stadium. However, that hasn’t happened yet as manager Aaron Boone is working on a different ideology to pull off a tricky balancing act to ensure both players’ playing time isn’t compromised.
Jasson Dominguez To Return On Sunday After Two-Game Snub
The New York Yankees face an intriguing balancing act when it comes to managing both Alex Verdugo and Jasson Dominguez in their lineup. Since the prospect was called up to majors last Monday, both the players have played three games each. Dominguez, especially, missed the last couple of games as Verdugo started at left field alongside Aaron Judge and Juan Soto. However, manager Aaron Boone confirmed on Friday that Dominguez would return to the lineup on Sunday, with Judge possibly moving to the DH role. “Wanting just to keep guys playing and active and in rhythm to the best degree possible,” Boone said on his balancing act. He added how Verdugo is very much in the team’s plan despite a career-worst slump.
Notably, Alex Verdugo has been better in September compared to July and August. He is hitting .286 and reached base safely in the last 10 games. On the other hand, Jasson Dominguez has gone 2-for-10 with a walk, two singles, and four strikeouts in the past 12 games. Meanwhile, the New York Yankees’ ideal scenario would be to create a rotation in the outfield that allows both Verdugo and Dominguez to contribute effectively. Boone could manage Verdugo’s and Dominguez’s workload by rotating them between corner outfield spots and even utilizing the designated hitter position to keep both bats in the lineup. Of course, the situation will change in October. But for now, this balancing act could work. As the Bombers continue to chase postseason success while building for the future, balancing the playing time between a veteran like Verdugo and a prospect like Dominguez will be crucial to their short- and long-term goals.
Aaron Judge Snaps Out Of Home Run Drought In Grand Style
The New York Yankees fan breathed a sigh of relief when their captain Aaron Judge broke out of his career-longest home run drought on Friday against the Boston Red Sox. With bases loaded, Judge went yard to get a grand slam and extend Yanks lead to 5-4.
The New York Yankees dugout, as well as the fans, were ecstatic and celebrated Aaron Judge’s home run like a festival. The fans honored the captain with a curtain call before the Yanks sealed the ball game 5-4. Notably, Judge’s season home run tally soared to 52 long hits as he hit a home run after a 16-game stretch.
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