The postseason is approaching at an accelerated rate, and the New York Yankees are still figuring out how to stack up an ideal roster. The Yankee roster undoubtedly has many holes. From bullpen to infield to left field, manager Aaron Boone’s hands will be full by the end of the regular season.
That being said, the left field conundrum is something the New York Yankees have been struggling with since the past few seasons. This year, the Yanks are confused between Alex Verdugo and prospect Jasson Dominguez as both the players have had their hits and misses. So who eventually will make the cut to the playoff roster?
Yankees Yet To Decide On Ideal Left Field Candidate Ahead Of Playoffs
With just four games remaining in the regular season, the New York Yankees are still grappling with a key decision as to who will man left field in the playoffs. Jasson Dominguez’s defensive inconsistencies were on display again Wednesday night during a costly 9-7 loss to the Baltimore Orioles, which delayed the Yankees’ AL East clinch. In contrast, Alex Verdugo’s steady defense may earn him the starting spot in left field. Dominguez misplayed Colton Cowser’s fly ball in the first inning, turning a catchable hit near the left field wall into a two-run base hit. Dominguez admitted to losing the ball in the windy conditions but took responsibility. “There’s no excuse. That ball has to be caught,” Dominguez said.
Notably, this miscue is Jasson Dominguez’s third defensive blunder in left field since the New York Yankees’ recent West Coast trip. Having said that, the Yanks’ decision to start Dominguez or Verdugo in left field during the playoffs may boil down to the offense-defense balance. While Dominguez brings potential upside at the plate, Verdugo is the more reliable defensive option. Meanwhile, skipper Aaron Boone certainly wants to allow both players equal playing time. But it won’t be realistically possible to do so as the team’s synergy will be hampered. Ultimately, Jasson Dominguez’s success in transitioning from center to left field will require more reps and experience. “Just more reps, more games, I think that’s what I need,” Jasson said. However, with the postseason looming, the New York Yankees may not have the luxury of waiting for him to find his defensive footing.
Marcus Stroman Takes Blame For Yanks 9-7 Loss To Orioles
The New York Yankees blew away the second opportunity to clinch the AL-East division on Wednesday following a 9-7 loss to the Baltimore Orioles. The culprit of the loss was starter Marcus Stroman, who was forced to start after a two-week break. Nestor Cortes, who was originally scheduled to pitch, was placed on IL with an elbow injury.
And Marcus Stroman’s rust and lack of rhythm pushed the New York Yankees to a second consecutive glaring loss. That being said, the pitcher was unhappy with his outing and took responsibility for the loss. “I have to be better out there at the end of the day, regardless of rhythm or when I last threw,” Stroman said in the post-game interview.
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