Jasson Dominguez will not be in the Yankees’ lineup for Friday’s game against the Boston Red Sox, marking the second time in five games the rookie has been benched since his recent call-up from Triple-A.
Jasson Dominguez was not called off the bench during his previous day off. In his absence, Alex Verdugo will start in left field and bat ninth against Red Sox right-hander Richard Fitts, who is filling in for Tanner Houck this Friday. Dominguez has struggled since his return to the majors, managing a .200 average with four strikeouts in 10 at-bats.
Boone plans Jasson Dominguez’s return but Verdugo takes priority
Yankees manager Aaron Boone previously stated the plan was to play Dominguez regularly, though recent lineups suggest otherwise. “The roster is a living, breathing organism every day,” Boone said, explaining the decision-making process. Boone added that Jasson Dominguez will return to the lineup on Saturday, with Giancarlo Stanton set to sit out that game. “That gives me two in a row with Verdugo and yet it keeps me four or five with Dominguez,” Boone said. “It’s about keeping guys active and in rhythm.”
However, the decision to prioritize Verdugo over Jasson Dominguez has raised questions, especially as the Yankees fight for a postseason spot. General Manager Brian Cashman addressed the situation Friday, ahead of the Yankees’ series against the Chicago Cubs. Cashman pointed to two key factors behind the decision: development and winning.
Cashman emphasized that Jasson Dominguez, just 21 years old, needs regular playing time to continue his growth. “He’s not going to develop by sitting on the bench,” Cashman said. The decision to favor Verdugo, however, has sparked controversy, especially given the Yankees’ playoff positioning. Entering Friday, New York trailed the Baltimore Orioles by just half a game in the American League East.
Verdugo, 28, is in the midst of a down year, posting a slash line of .235/.293/.359 with 11 home runs. His second-half struggles have been even more pronounced, with a 60-point drop in OPS compared to the first half of the season. Jasson Dominguez, on the other hand, has excelled in the minors, hitting .318/.379/.519 with 11 home runs and 16 stolen bases in 55 games across multiple levels. These numbers have led many to question why Dominguez isn’t seeing more playing time.
Despite the surface-level statistics, Cashman and the Yankees’ front office may be considering other factors. Advanced metrics such as exit velocity and barrel percentage show only slight differences between Verdugo and Dominguez, offering some context for the Yankees’ caution. However, many believe Dominguez could provide a needed spark, potentially outplaying Verdugo if given the chance.
As the postseason approaches, the Yankees are hoping Jasson Dominguez can deliver on his potential. His speed and power offer versatility on both offense and defense, which could be crucial in the team’s push for October. For now, Boone’s strategy seems focused on maintaining balance within the lineup while also keeping players fresh.
Jasson Dominguez’s performance when he returns to the lineup on Saturday will be closely watched, especially as the Yankees look to keep pace with the Orioles in the division race. With the pressure mounting, Dominguez could play a key role in determining whether the Yankees can secure a postseason berth and make a deep run in October.
What do you think? Leave your comment below.
Boone, with his comments gave himself an out, because he already knew Cashman lied about when Dominguez comes up, he will play. So to put this on Boone is wrong, put it where it belongs, on Cashman.