Sept Verdugo’s final Yankees luck, Dominguez knocks to steal his job in Oct

With September 1 approaching, MLB roster expansions are on the cards. For the New York Yankees, boosting the roster from 26 to 28 players presents a key moment to give another try to their top prospect, Jasson Dominguez.

Although the Yankees have yet to confirm their roster moves, there are signs that the team’s stance on Dominguez, nicknamed “The Martian,” is evolving. The talented young outfielder might be on the brink of another call-up to the major leagues.

Dominguez had a brief appearance with the Yankees as their 27th man during the Little League Classic on August 18. Manager Aaron Boone has hinted that Dominguez remains a viable option, suggesting that he is still very much in the team’s future plans.

Expectations are that Dominguez could be promoted when rosters expand on September 1. His addition may come at the expense of Alex Verdugo, who has struggled against left-handed pitching this season, posting a .608 OPS against southpaws in what has been a tough year for the outfielder.

The Yankees have consistently struggled against left-handed pitching, and Dominguez’s ability to switch-hit would give the team another right-handed bat in those matchups. This versatility could prove valuable, especially since the Yankees’ current fifth outfielder, Trent Grisham, also bats left-handed.

Adding Dominguez would help address the Yankees’ roster imbalance and could potentially bolster their lineup against left-handed pitching—an area that has plagued the team throughout the season.

Last Yankees chance for Verdugo

Alex Verdugo’s tenure with the New York Yankees has been marked by ups and downs, with his once-promising start fading into a prolonged slump. After an impressive early season that earned him support from fans and teammates alike, Verdugo’s offensive production has dipped significantly from April through August 2024. In his last 15 games, he has managed just 12 hits and four RBIs, highlighting his recent struggles.

Verdugo’s batting line of .233/.294/.362 has fallen well short of expectations, prompting speculation that the Yankees may be considering changes in their lineup. His recent demotion in the batting order—from a top-six position down to ninth—underscores the team’s response to his ongoing difficulties at the plate.

Between June 15 and August 23, Verdugo’s performance hit a low point, with a .178 average and a .500 OPS, including a six-game hitless streak over 21 at-bats. However, the Yankees outfielder has shown signs of a rebound, going 8-for-19 with a home run and scoring four runs in his last five games.

Verdugo acknowledged feeling more comfortable at the plate, attributing his recent improvements to a refined approach. He noted that he’s focused on making better contact and staying patient, choosing to react to what pitchers offer rather than forcing big plays with every swing.

“I’m definitely feeling better,” he told. “Definitely putting better swings on and staying within myself a little bit more. It’s just, keep it going and try not to get too ahead of myself and look for damage or anything like that. Just keep taking what the pitchers are giving me.”

Yankees manager Aaron Boone expressed confidence in Verdugo’s ability to make a meaningful impact on the team. Boone emphasized that every player experiences slumps, noting the mental and physical toll of extended struggles.

“He can be such an impact player for us. I don’t care who you are — rookie, veteran — you go through it, and you go through some struggles,” he explained. “You go through a tough stretch, it wears [on you]. The grind is real. So a couple months there where he’s grinded through it, to get some traction — especially all the work you put into it, pour in, behind the scenes, trying to unlock yourself and get it rolling to get some results — it’s good for the soul.”

Can Dominguez replace Verdugo on the Yankees’ roster?

Jasson Dominguez has been making waves in the minor leagues this season, posting a .309 batting average, .855 OPS, eight home runs, and 14 stolen bases. If he is called up on September 1, he is expected to fill the Yankees’ fourth outfielder role, with the versatility to cover all three outfield positions.

JJ Cooper, Editor-in-Chief of Baseball America, has suggested that Dominguez’s role could grow even more critical as the playoffs approach. On the August 27 episode of BA’s ‘Hot Sheet’ podcast, Cooper highlighted the Martian’s potential impact on the Yankees, noting his prior major league experience, successful recovery from Tommy John surgery, and strong performance in Triple-A.

Cooper also pointed to the Yankees’ current struggles in the corner outfield spots, particularly mentioning Alex Verdugo’s decline in the latter half of the season. He speculated that Dominguez, already on the 40-man roster, might be positioned to become the team’s regular left fielder by October if he performs well.

“[Dominguez] is one who I look at and say he can make an impact [for the Yankees],” he said. “Because Dominguez has been in the big leagues before, came back from Tommy John surgery, has been hitting in Triple-A, and… [the Yankees are] kind of lacking production in the corner outfield spots. Alex Verdugo has really struggled, especially in the second half of the season. I’d be interested to see if Dominguez gets that call — he’s already on the 40-man — and then if he gets that call, could he end up showing in September that he could be their everyday left fielder come October.”

Furthermore, Cooper suggested that Dominguez’s promotion might not be a brief cameo but rather a genuine opportunity to make a meaningful contribution. Despite Verdugo’s recent offensive difficulties, he remains a defensive asset and, when in form, a potent offensive player. However, with stiff competition for the outfield spots, Dominguez’s performance could be crucial in shaping the Yankees’ outfield lineup.

Even if Dominguez does not secure a starting role, his presence could provide a valuable left-handed option off the bench. For him to earn a starting position, particularly as the postseason nears, he will need to demonstrate his capabilities. Verdugo’s recent uptick in performance could complicate the decision for Yankees management, making the competition for outfield spots a focal point as September progresses.

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