Alex Verdugo heats up as Dominguez’s entry risks his Yankees slot

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In a twist that added intrigue to the Yankees’ roster dynamics, Alex Verdugo’s performance took a positive turn amid increasing competition for his spot. During the Yankees’ 10-4 win over the Royals on Monday night at Yankee Stadium, he smashed a two-run homer in the fourth inning, giving the Yankees a 3-2 lead.

The home run, which snapped a 52-at-bat homerless streak for Verdugo, came just two at-bats after the Yankees’ top prospect, Jasson Dominguez, was recalled to the major league roster. He started in left field, with Dominguez in center, a configuration that could impact Verdugo’s playing time going forward. Aaron Judge, usually stationed in the center, took on designated hitter duties, allowing Giancarlo Stanton a rest day.

Following the game, Verdugo spoke about the new dynamic, voicing his support for Dominguez’s arrival. While he acknowledged the potential for reduced playing time, the Yankees’ DAWG star stressed his commitment to the team’s overall success and the pursuit of a playoff berth.

Verdugo’s contributions extended beyond the long ball, as he also added a single, helping fuel the Yankees’ offensive surge in the series opener.

“[Dominguez] is gonna come up here, he’s gonna play, he’s gonna help this team win,” he after the Yankees win. “Whatever that means, that means, right? If I lose a little bit of playing time, I lose a little bit of playing time. At the end of the day, I want to win. The only thing that matters is getting into the playoffs and winning there.”

Yankees to unleash Verdugo vs. Dominguez competition

This situation unfolds amid recent comments from Yankees general manager Brian Cashman, who backed Verdugo as the team’s best option in left field for the time being. Cashman defended the decision to hold off on Dominguez’s call-up when rosters expanded on September 1, despite facing criticism for the delay, asserting that Verdugo’s form gave the Yankees their best chance to win.

The Yankees’ lineup decisions have taken on new complexity with the addition of Jasson Dominguez, creating a daily conundrum for manager Aaron Boone as he balances playing time between Verdugo and the rookie outfielder. Boone hinted that Dominguez, who went 1-for-4 in his first game back, will see substantial action in the coming weeks.

Both Boone and Verdugo acknowledged they have yet to discuss how Dominguez’s presence will affect Verdugo’s role, indicating the situation remains fluid. Boone praised the OF’s recent uptick in performance, particularly highlighting his home run against the Royals, and commended his professional demeanor during a critical stretch of the season.

“Just feeling better,” the left fielder said. “Staying within myself, staying a little bit more balanced, just having my at-bats again – not trying to force the outcome.”

Verdugo, acquired from the Red Sox in the offseason and currently in his contract year, has struggled overall this season. Entering Monday, his .235/.295/.356 slash line and .651 OPS, paired with an OPS+ of 83, reflected his ongoing challenges at the plate. His post-All-Star break numbers have dipped further, with an OPS of .609 in the second half.

Yet, there are signs of a turnaround. Since discovering an allergy to his old batting gloves on August 24 and making a switch, Verdugo’s hitting has markedly improved. Including Monday’s game, he has gone 18-for-54, hitting .333 over this stretch.

Verdugo credited his recent surge to feeling healthier and maintaining a more composed approach at the plate. He noted that focusing on each at-bat without pressing for specific results has helped him regain his form, suggesting a newfound confidence in his performance.

“He’s been having better at-bats, I feel like over the last couple of weeks,” the Yankees manager said about Verdugo. “Big homer there. … This time of year, it’s about being a pro and he gave us some professional at-bats tonight, for sure.”

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