Ahead of the series vs. Houston Astors, the New York Yankees announced major roster moves. Top minor league prospects Jasson Dominguez and Austin Wells were promoted to the big leagues as a part of the club’s newly launched youth program. Moreover, both prospects’ debuts were scheduled for the series opener vs. the Astros.
Ahead of the game, Yankees manager Aaron Boone revealed the team’s plans for the prospects. As per Boone, Jason Dominguez will be playing center field, with Austin Wells handling behind-the-plate duties as a catcher. Moreover, the skipper also confirmed that the duo will be playing a lot. Meanwhile, Dominguez certainly lived up to the hype as he made waves on his major league debut.
Jason Dominguez Hits Home Run In First Ever MLB At-Bat
The no. 2 prospect of the New York Yankees farm system, Jasson Dominguez, is probably the most hyped rookie in the club’s farm system. He was signed for a franchise-record $5.1 million bonus as an international free agent back in 2019. Since then, the Martian has worked his way up in the minor leagues. The 20-year-old recently received a promotion to Triple-A, where he featured in a handful amount of games. However, never in a million thoughts, he imagined to feature in the big leagues this soon. But, the Yankees’ terrible season worked as a blessing in disguise for Dominguez. He made his much-awaited major league debut on Friday against the Houston Astros. But, he faced an uphill task.
Jasson Dominguez was up against Future Hall of Famer pitcher Justin Verlander, who also happened to be twice the prospect’s age. However, the Martian toyed around him with sheer confidence. In his very first major league at-bat. Dominguez smoked a home run on the other side of the field, which traveled 360 feet with a 100.2 mph exit velocity. The two-run homer earned the Yankees a 3-0 lead in the first inning itself. The Yankee teammates in the dugout, as well as the Martian’s family in the stands, erupted in joy. With that strong hit, Jasson has landed in an elite list of Yankee players who have scored a homer at 20 years or younger. The list includes names like Lou Gehrig, Mickey Mantle, Ross Moschitto, and Bobby Murcer. Jason Dominguez’s debut could not have been any better, as the Yanks ended up taking a 6-2 win.
Giancarlo Staton Launches Gigantic Homer As Yankees Crush Astros
DJ LeMahieu and debutant Jason Dominguez set the stage right for the New York Yankees by building a 3-run lead in two innings. Justin Verlander, the Astros’ star pitcher, was pushed on the back foot. Amid this, hitter Giancarlo Stanton fed off on the momentum and hit a gigantic 433-foot homer at an exit velocity of 112.1 mph in the third inning.
Moreover, the two-run hit extended the Yankees lead to 5-1. The visitors were in complete control of the game. Starter Carlos Rodon did a fantastic job in restricting the Astros hitters. Further, the relievers took care of the rest as the Yanks secured a 6-1 much-needed win to lead the three-game series 1-0.
