Yankees fans are eager to see a repeat of blistering home runs from Jasson Domínguez‘s bat. However, the team’s general manager Brian Cashman has put brakes on the rookie’s pinstriped return by refusing to make any change in the lineup.
The New York Yankees’ outfield is anchored by the formidable duo of Aaron Judge and Juan Soto, two of the game’s premier talents. Meanwhile, Alex Verdugo has been handling left field, though his performance has been uneven. Verdugo’s season stats show a .239/.299/.374 slash line with 10 home runs. However, since May 1, his numbers have slipped to .230/.279/.352, though he has shown improvement recently, hitting .315/.381/.426 since July 26.
Despite Verdugo’s inconsistency, Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman recently stated on MLB Network Radio that the team has no immediate plans to make a change in left field, even with top prospect Jasson Dominguez waiting in Triple-A.
Dominguez’s season has been hampered by injuries, including a recovery from Tommy John surgery and an oblique strain. He returned to action on July 26 and is currently playing in Triple-A. Cashman noted that Domínguez is healthy and primarily playing center field, with some time in left field as well.
Cashman highlighted Dominguez’s versatility, pointing out his experience in multiple positions throughout his career. He described the rookie as eager and ready for his opportunity but clarified that there is currently no immediate plan to bring him up to the major league roster. However, Cashman expressed confidence in having Dominguez as a potential option if needed, emphasizing that the young player is focused on shaking off rust and staying prepared for any chance that might come his way.
“He’s healthy. Ultimately the injuries this year prevented him from getting much of a bulk of performance. He’s definitely sitting there waiting in the wings if need be, playing mostly in centerfield — I think we’re going to get him over in left. He’s done multiple positions in his career. He’s just waiting in the wings. Hungry and waiting to see if he gets his chance. It’s nice to know he’s available to us if need be. There’s currently no lane for us to bring him. It’s nice to know he’s there. He’s just knocking rust off and waiting for his opportunity if it comes.”
Yankees’ Dominguez possibilities
Jasson Dominguez’s 2024 season has been marred by injuries, limiting him to just 34 games and 141 plate appearances in the minors. Since returning from an oblique injury, his performance at Triple-A has struggled, with a batting line of .163/.234/.209 and 15 strikeouts in 11 games. At just 21 years old, Dominguez appears to be navigating a challenging period of adjustment and shedding rust.
As the Yankees approach the September 1 roster expansion, the possibility of Domínguez joining the major league team remains unclear. Under current MLB rules, teams can only add one extra pitcher and one extra position player in September. With veteran players like Jon Berti and Anthony Rizzo nearing returns from injury, the Yankees may prioritize these roster spots for more seasoned players.
The Yankees’ outfield situation is relatively stable, with Judge and Soto holding down their positions, and Giancarlo Stanton in the designated hitter spot. Alex Verdugo has shown recent improvement, which may reduce the urgency to call up Domínguez. Additionally, fourth outfielder Trent Grisham has provided solid offense since June 1, along with his strong defensive play in center field.
Given these factors, the Yankees might opt to keep Dominguez in Triple-A, allowing him to accumulate more at-bats and continue his development. This approach would help him make up for the time lost to injuries earlier in the season.
Despite his current struggles, Domínguez remains highly regarded as a prospect. Baseball America ranked him as the No. 7 prospect in baseball in their midseason update. His overall career numbers at Triple-A show promise, with a .309/.372/.455 batting line across 29 games.
Last September, Domínguez made a brief but impressive MLB debut, hitting four home runs with a .980 OPS in just eight games. However, his momentum was halted by a torn UCL, which required Tommy John surgery, setting the stage for his current recovery and ongoing development.
What do you think? Leave your comment below.
Get rid of Brian Cashman …
Dominguez played all the OF spots this past weekend. But, again, without an injury or a trade, there never was room for him here in 2024 once he was healthy. Too bad he was hurt when an injury created an opening.
Brian Cashman said “there’s currently no lane” for Jasson Domínguez.
What Complete Bullsh*t! The ‘lane” is Obvious: Release “Low Rent” Trent Grisham.
I was dumbfounded that the article included this ABSURD Statement about him: “Trent Grisham has provided solid offense since June 1, along with his strong defensive play in center field.”
“(H)is strong defensive play in center field”? You mean like the TWO ROUTINE POP FLIES HE’S DROPPED?
Like the one he dropped because he was too busy SHOWBOATING to bother catching the damn ball: Oh, yea, that’s the kind of guy I want on our playoff roster, so he can keep Gleyber company being an a-hole.
As for his improved “hitting” since June 1, spare me! Trent has “raised” his season average to .191. OOOOh, .191, awesome, huh? I understand pitchers throughout the majors are wearing DEPENDS now when he “hits.”
A .191 average is so GOD AWFUL BAD that:
IT DOESN’T EVEN QUALIFY FOR THE INFAMOUS MENDOZA LINE OF REALLY SHITTY HITTERS!
For those unfamiliar with the Mendoza Line, here’s the definition from the Wikipedia page for the Mendoza Line (yes, it’s that Infamous a line for identifying guys who Absolutely Positively CAN’T HIT):
“The Mendoza Line is baseball jargon for a .200 BATTING AVERAGE, the supposed THRESHOLD FOR OFFENSIVE FUTILITY at the Major League level.” (Emphasis added.)
So, NO! “Low Rent” Trent has been F**KING AWFUL at the plate at least 95% of the time.
And it’s NOT like he’s just having a hard time adjusting to being a 4th outfielder because “Low Rent” Trent “hit” BELOW the Mendoza Line as a Starter the last 2 Years:
As a Starter in 2022, Trent “hit” .184 with a .284 OBP.
As a Starter in 2023, Trent “hit” .198 with a .315 OBP.
And this year, he’s “hitting” .191 with a .302 OBP.
So, “Low Rent” Trent is Consistent at least: He Sucks whether he’s a Starter or Bench Player. Why do you think the Padres Begged the Yankees to take him off their hands in the Soto trade?
Bottom Line: Trent Grisham offers ZERO Upside, whereas Jasson Domínguez offers at least the potential of VAST Upside, both Offensively & Defensively.
So, this is yet another example of BRAINLESS BRIAN CASHMAN’S COMPLETE & UTTER STUPIDITY.
Cashman’s idea of adding Playoff Caliber “Talent” to the roster is adding guys like Caleb Ferguson, Dennis Santana, JD Davis, Josh Donaldson, Joey “Head Case” Gallo, Frenchy Cordero, Jack Bauers, Greg Allen, Billy McKinney, Willie Calhoun, and DFA-worthy Enyel De Los Santos.
When Cashman wipes his butt he thinks that’s what “Talent” looks like.