The Yankees’ decision to stick with Alex Verdugo in left field as the season winds down signals their commitment to maintaining lineup stability, effectively keeping Jasson Dominguez in Triple-A for additional at-bats and fielding experience. Dominguez’s season has been interrupted by recovery from Tommy John surgery and an oblique strain.
Evaluating Dominguez’s readiness for a potential major league return, two MLB scouts talked about the Yankees’ decision not to include him in the roster. According to The Post, an American League scout who recently watched him at Triple-A offered a glowing review. He praised Dominguez’s standout presence on the field, suggesting he looks primed for the majors.
The scout projected Dominguez could slot into the Yankees’ lineup as a sixth or seventh hitter, emphasizing his power and speed as key strengths. He saw no glaring developmental needs that would warrant an extended time fir him in the minors.
“He was a different guy on the field than everybody else,” the scout was quoted saying. “He looked like he was ready. I think in the Yankees lineup, he’s probably a six or seven-hole kind of guy right now. … He’s got whack, he can run. He brings a lot of things to the table. “I didn’t see anything that stood out that would say, ‘He needs more time here.’ ”
Similarly, a National League scout who observed Dominguez with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre last month was impressed by his progress, especially considering his lengthy layoff. The scout noted the Yankees rookie’s solid timing at the plate, particularly from the left side, and highlighted his strong defensive skills in the outfield.
“He had pretty good at-bats, surprisingly his timing was good,” he was quoted saying. “He barreled up some balls really well from the left-handed side of the plate. I only saw one at-bat right-handed. But he looked fine in [batting practice]. Played solid in the outfield.”
Yankees’ Dominguez vs. Verdugo dilemma
While Yankees manager Aaron Boone hasn’t ruled out a September call-up, the Yankees chose not to promote Dominguez when rosters expanded, instead sticking with Verdugo in left field. This decision reflects a preference for the veteran’s experience over inserting a young prospect into a pivotal stretch of the division race.
The Yankees’ cautious approach underscores a strategic balance between the allure of Dominguez’s potential impact and the reliability of their current roster as they fight for a postseason berth.
The National League scout shared mixed feelings about the Yankees’ outfield decisions, expressing doubts about Verdugo’s impact and hesitation over thrusting Dominguez into pressure-packed scenarios at this point.
Manager Aaron Boone’s recent remarks underscored the contrast between the two players. While Boone acknowledged that Dominguez has room for defensive improvement, he commended Verdugo’s fielding, suggesting he could be in the Gold Glove conversation. These comments offer a glimpse into the Yankees’ current approach to their outfield alignment.
Verdugo’s placement at the bottom of the order, typically batting eighth or ninth, indicates the team’s prioritization of his defensive reliability despite inconsistent offense. However, Verdugo’s recent stats reflect some improvement on the plate, which contributes to his overall value.
Scouts who have observed Dominguez, fresh off Tommy John surgery, noted that his arm strength has remained stable. The American League scout rated his throwing arm as slightly above average, mirroring his pre-surgery assessments.
The Yankees have been gradually incorporating Dominguez into left field at Triple-A, though not as a regular starter. According to the AL scout, Dominguez has looked comfortable adjusting to the position.
Dominguez’s lone major league game this year came during the Little League Classic in August, where he faced a tough challenge, starting in left field against a formidable left-hander. Dominguez struggled, going 0-for-4 with three strikeouts and misplaying a throw home that allowed the game-winning run.
The AL scout believes Dominguez is capable of handling center field but sees his future more likely in left, where he can leverage his offensive skills from both sides of the plate. The scout highlighted Dominguez’s speed and overall athleticism, noting that injuries have been the primary setback in his development.
This assessment underscores the Yankees’ careful balancing act between addressing immediate roster needs and nurturing Dominguez’s long-term potential as a key piece of their outfield.
What do you think? Leave your comment below.
Very simple. Even the great prospect Dominguez cannot crack Cashman’s veteran reliance. He traded away years ago the perfect DH to replace Posada in Jesus Montero. .