On Sunday, fans scanned through the list of roster moves announced by the New York Yankees on the eve of roster expansion. However, Jasson Dominguez’s omission sent a wave of outrage across the city of New York. The promotion of Duke Ellis further enraged the fans who were baffled by the unwarranted decision.
With the New York Yankees competition in AL-East division getting cutthroat each day, the front office was expected to shake up the roster and ensure that their best 28 players remain on the active roster. Meanwhile, as Yanks continue to play the safe game, it perhaps raises doubt on their intention to win the World Series ring.
Yankees Shot Themselves In The Foot With Jasson Dominguez Decision
Since recovery from an oblique strain injury, Jasson Dominguez has been hitting .359 with three home runs in Triple-A. Across 37 games this year, the kid accumulated five home runs and 14 stole bases with a .306 average and a .828 OPS. But for the New York Yankees, Alex Verdugo, a veteran impending free agent with a .273 on-base percentage, is more valuable. To protect his ego and avoid having tough conversations, the Yankee front office blocked Dominguez’s promotion. On the other hand, manager Aaron Boone tried his best to justify the decision by saying that Dominguez is an everyday player, and that’s something the team cannot offer to him right now. Hence, by staying a minor, he can keep playing and remain in conversion likewise.
Does this mean the World Series promise the Yankees made while trading Juan Soto for 7 players no longer exists? Because that’s what the denial of promotion implies. With Juan Soto, Aaron Judge, and Gerrit Cole being in their prime and playing together for probably the last time, it’s a no-brainer that the Yanks need their best players on the field to accomplish the World Series ring. How difficult it is to comprehend that Jasson is by far the best outfielder on the bench. His promotion would not only add spark to the offensive production but also help the kid gain experience by playing alongside giants like Judge and Soto, which will only boost his growth as a professional athlete. Even if Jasson struggles, his numbers will undoubtedly be better compared to Verdugo. It’s safe to say that the Yanks’ timidness will cost them the championship this year.
Aaron Boone Keeps Promotion Door Open For Jasson Dominguez
New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone was in full damage control mode after receiving backlash over denying Jasson Dominguez a space on the active roster. He argued that the team wanted Jasson to keep playing regularly as in majors, his playing time would be cut short due to overcrowding depth.
But at the same time, Aaron Boone suggested that dynamics could change in a few days or a few weeks. Jasson Dominguez could still make the cut to the Yankees later in September. “Will remain in the conversation moving forward. When he comes up here, you’re going to want to play him every day,” Boone said.
To stay up-to-date with the New York Yankees 2024 season, keep following Sports News International