Alex Verdugo kills Yankees rally, allows Dominguez a boost in outfield battle

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As the regular season winds down, the New York Yankees have been rotating between Jasson Dominguez and Alex Verdugo in left field, but Verdugo’s recent slump at the plate has given Dominguez the edge.

Verdugo, who joined the Yankees ahead of the 2024 campaign, began the year on a high note but has struggled since the All-Star break, managing just two home runs during that stretch. His troubles were on full display during Tuesday’s matchup against the Baltimore Orioles.

In a key moment in the fifth inning, with the Yankees trailing 2-1 and runners on first and second, Verdugo had the chance to spark a rally against Orioles starter Dean Kremer. Facing a 2-2 count, Kremer delivered a 94-mph fastball that appeared to be outside the strike zone. Verdugo, however, swung at the pitch, making weak contact that led to an easy double play, stifling the Yankees’ momentum.

The inning ended without the Yankees scoring, as Gleyber Torres followed with a flyout, leaving Anthony Rizzo stranded at third base. Baltimore went on to secure a 5-3 win.

Verdugo’s struggles haven’t gone unnoticed by Yankees fans, whose frustration has grown as his offensive production has dipped. The recent misstep has fueled ongoing debates about his role, especially with the postseason looming and each at-bat becoming more critical.

With the Yankees preparing for a potential playoff run, the competition for the left field spot remains in the spotlight. Verdugo’s lackluster performance could open the door for the promising Dominguez to take on a larger role in the final games of the season and beyond.

The Yankees are grappling with a key decision in left field as they near the postseason, with Verdugo and Dominguez both in contention for the spot.

Verdugo, who signed a one-year, $8.7 million deal with the Yankees after being acquired from the Boston Red Sox, started the season strong. The 28-year-old posted a promising .279/.379/.488 slash line with a .867 OPS, four home runs, and 12 RBIs. However, his performance has taken a downturn since the All-Star break, with his average dropping to .228 and his OPS dipping to .599. Over that span, Verdugo has managed just two home runs and 13 RBIs.

Meanwhile, top prospect Jasson Dominguez has been making his case in left field. Though his overall numbers aren’t standout — hitting .195 with two home runs and four RBIs in 13 games — Dominguez has shown flashes of power, matching Verdugo’s post-All-Star break home run total in far fewer games.

Boone remained cautious when discussing the left field dilemma, noting that the competition remains open. He stressed that the team is keeping everyone involved and evaluating players for multiple positions and roles. Boone also expressed confidence in the Yankees’ depth, emphasizing that the roster now offers more flexibility than earlier in the season.

“It’s still declaring itself,” he explained. “Trying to keep everyone in the mix, fighting for different
spots and different playing time. Feel like we have a lot of really good options and we’re more whole than we’ve been in a long time and that’s a good thing.”

While Boone has yet to make a final decision on the left field starter for the postseason, his comments indicate that both Verdugo’s defensive skills and Dominguez’s emerging power are being closely considered. Dominguez may offer a spark with his bat, but Verdugo’s defense could be a crucial asset in the playoffs, where reliable fielding is often critical.

The Yankees’ approach reflects a careful balance of offense and defense, with Boone and his staff aiming to field the most competitive lineup as they prepare for a deep playoff run.

Dominguez leads Verdugo in Yankees lineup battle

Since Jasson Dominguez’s promotion from Triple-A on September 9, the New York Yankees have been closely assessing their outfield, with Dominguez starting 10 of the team’s 13 games. He has split time between left field, where he has made six starts, and center field with four starts. Meanwhile, Alex Verdugo has appeared in the starting lineup seven times, all in left field.

This rotation of playing time is expected to continue, especially if the Yankees clinch the division title soon, allowing more flexibility to rest Aaron Judge or use him as the designated hitter. That scenario could see Dominguez take on more duties in center field.

Dominguez’s recent road trip highlighted his offensive potential, posting a strong .948 OPS and swiping two bases. However, his defensive game has raised some concerns. During a series in Seattle, Dominguez dropped a fly ball in left field and misjudged a play in center field. These errors followed a similar miscue during the Little League Classic last month, where hesitation on a throw to home allowed a walk-off win for the opposition.

Despite the defensive hiccups, manager Aaron Boone remains confident in Dominguez’s abilities. Boone acknowledged the mistakes but attributed them to inexperience, emphasizing that Dominguez has missed considerable playing time over the past few years. Boone highlighted Dominguez’s physical assets, such as speed and arm strength, believing those tools would aid his growth as an outfielder. The manager underscored the importance of continued development for the young prospect.

Offensively, Boone described Dominguez as a dynamic player with the potential for power, speed, and patience at the plate. However, he tempered expectations, reminding me that perfection is a process and that Dominguez’s growth will take time.

Verdugo, on the other hand, has experienced a dip in performance. After batting .333 with a .831 OPS over 15 games before Dominguez’s call-up, he has struggled in his last seven games, hitting just .130 with a .330 OPS. Still, Verdugo’s reliable defense and postseason experience provide value.

Boone’s recent in-game decisions could hint at his strategy moving forward. In Sunday’s 7-4 victory, he started Dominguez in left field but subbed in Verdugo in the eighth inning, perhaps signaling a preference for Verdugo’s defense in late-game situations.

As the Yankees prepare for the postseason, the competition between Dominguez and Verdugo for left field remains ongoing. Both players bring distinct strengths, and Boone will likely continue to weigh their performances as October approaches.

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