Jasson Dominguez started Wednesday ready to make strides step by step, as for the first time the Dominican played as a designated hitter, after performing as a center fielder in previous games. However, according to reports, the team does not want to risk activating him.
Jasson Dominguez ready to take another step in rehab
Is Jasson Dominguez ready to take another step forward? Although he’s been playing, this was the first time he played as a CF, and he played for five innings. Overall, the outfielder has made strides in the minors. Dominguez played in 11 rehab games and hit two home runs in his last four appearances
Before his elbow injury, Jasson Dominguez showed up as one of the most important players for the Yankees’ future. A product of the Bronx Bomber’s academy, his brief major league stint last season saw Dominguez make eight appearances, hitting .258 with four home runs, seven RBIs, and a .980 OPS.
Yankees’ cautious approach
The 21-year-old’s ability to play the outfield likely signals that he’s completed his throwing program. However, Dominguez is expected to remain on his rehab assignment for the full 20-day window or close to it.
Currently, the Yankees aren’t willing to dispose of an outfield role available for him due to the excellent moment witnessed by the team in MLB, as reported by Jon Morosi on MLB Network. Thus, according to CBS, once reinstated from the 60-day injured list, he will likely be optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
Bryan Hoch from MLB.com reports that the Yankees do not intend to activate Dominguez sooner, preferring to give him more time. The team has made it clear that they have no intention of rushing the Dominican back to the majors. With a crowded outfield in the Bronx, Dominguez could spend several more weeks in the high minors.
Minor League statistics comparison with Mickey Mantle
As a switch-hitter with notable speed and power, Jasson Dominguez drawn comparisons to the Yankees’ legend Mickey Mantle, albeit as a smaller version at 5-foot-9. Dominguez’s highest home run total in a season is 19, which he achieved last year, including 15 in the minors and in seven MLB games.
Comparing their minor league stats, Mantle hit .357 with 44 home runs, 54 doubles, and 22 triples in 266 games. In 305 minor league games, Dominguez has a .267 average, 38 home runs, 55 doubles, and 11 triples. Despite these extra-base hits, Dominguez has a .433 slugging percentage compared to Mantle’s .585.
Jasson Dominguez’s performance last season with the Yankees was impressive. As he works towards his return to the majors, there’s optimism that he can make a significant impact, though no specific timeline for his MLB comeback has been set.
What do you think? Leave your comment below.
He played 4 innings in CF today in AA. His lefty swing looks good, his right one still needs work, looks very mechanical, not natural. Once Verdugo, Soto, & Grisham were acquired, short of an injury that gave Dominguez everyday ABs, he was always scheduled to be in AAA when he was activated. With DJ back healthy, that frees up Cabrera to play some OF too. Believe anything else, I think you’re foolish.