Yankees fans eagerly awaiting the comeback of phenom Jasson Dominguez will need to exercise patience a bit longer. The young center fielder, who has been sidelined since undergoing Tommy John surgery last September, is engaged in another day of rehabilitation at Tampa’s minor league complex in January.
After four months post-surgery, Jasson Dominguez is diligently working alongside fellow prospect Tyler Hardman, who is recovering from hand surgery. They adhere to a daily rehabilitation schedule, with light throwing scheduled for February and hitting set to commence in March. The journey back is expected to be gradual, with batting progress advancing from swings to soft tosses and then controlled batting practice.
Both players anticipate being absent for the first half of the season. Once Jasson Dominguez resumes game action, he will face a 30-game rehabilitation stint. If he performs impressively and an opportunity arises in the Yankees’ outfield or designated hitter position, his return in pinstripes could materialize as early as the summer.
Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman maintains an optimistic outlook, stating that Jasson Dominguez is “doing well” and emphasizing the team’s eagerness to welcome him back as a valuable contributor. However, should the rehab games reveal that he is not quite major league-ready, or if the roster remains crowded, a stint in Triple-A would not be considered a setback. Jasson Dominguez experienced a brief but productive spell there last season before his September call-up and historic debut.
Jasson Dominguez pinstripes timeline
July 2, 2019: Joined the Yankees as an amateur free agent for $5.1M.
June 28, 2021: Participated in the pro debut for FCL Yankees, going 0-for-2 with a walk and a strikeout.
July 5, 2021: Moved up to Low-A Tampa Tarpons.
July 11, 2021: Played in the All-Star Futures Game at Coors Field in Denver, achieving 0-for-3 with 2 strikeouts.
July 16, 2022: Participated in the All-Star Futures Game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, recording 1-for-2 with a strikeout and a 415-foot home run.
July 16, 2022: Promoted to High-A Hudson Valley.
July 22, 2022: Went 2-for-4 with a homer and a walk in the first High A game.
Sept. 13, 2022: Promoted to Double-A Somerset and went 0-for-5 in the debut.
Aug. 22, 2023: Moved up to Triple-A and marked a 3-for-6 performance with 3 RBI in the debut game with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
Sept. 1, 2023: Advanced to the majors, playing center field in the Yankees’ 6-2 win in Houston, achieving 1-for-4 with a first-inning, first-swing, two-run homer off Justin Verlander.
Sept. 3, 2023: First noticed discomfort in the right elbow during pre-game activities, hitting a second homer in three games in a win, completing a three-game sweep of the Astros.
Sept. 5, 2023: Played the first game at Yankee Stadium, going 1-for-4 with a double in a 5-1 win over the Tigers.
Sept. 8, 2023: Hit the fourth homer in seven games in an 8-2 home loss to the Brewers.
Sept. 9, 2023: Went 0-for-4 in a 9-2 loss to the Brewers at Yankee Stadium.
Sept. 10, 2023: Was a late scratch from the lineup due to elbow discomfort. Tests that day revealed a torn ulnar collateral ligament.
Sept. 14, 2023: Opted for Tommy John surgery. The Yankees announced an estimated return of 9-to-10 months.
Sept. 20, 2023: Underwent Tommy John surgery in Arlington, Texas. Dr. Keith Meister included internal bracing in the procedure, potentially expediting the return.
The Martian a key bat for Yankees
His meteoric rise in 2023 included launching four homers in eight games, including one off Justin Verlander in his debut at-bat. Unfortunately, an initially diagnosed elbow inflammation turned into a dreaded UCL tear, prematurely ending his season and delaying his 2024 debut.
On a positive note, the internal bracing applied by Dr. Keith Meister during the surgery could expedite Jasson Dominguez’s return, potentially advancing his timeline toward June instead of July. While acknowledging the unfortunate setback, Cashman expresses satisfaction with Dominguez’s progress and excitement about seeing him back on the field soon.
So, while Groundhog Day may feel repetitive for Jasson Dominguez, each step in his rehabilitation brings him closer to that electrifying return. Yankees fans can anticipate the next chapter of his story unfolding sometime this summer, when the Martian once again takes center stage in the Bronx.
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