Jasson Dominguez‘s methodical recovery from Tommy John surgery is progressing smoothly. However, as reported by Pinstripes Nation, the Yankees remain cautious about activating him. When questioned, Dominguez said he doesn’t know when or if he will be back soon
“I don’t know what’s the plan,” Dominguez said. “I don’t know nothing about that yet.”
It’s been three days since Jasson Dominguez resumed playing as an outfielder following his elbow injury in September 2024. On Friday night, he delivered another impressive performance, hitting his third home run during rehab and his first while playing as a centerfielder.
Yankees’ injury update on Jasson Dominguez
The 21-year-old outfielder, who underwent the procedure on his throwing elbow last September, has been advancing in his rehab assignment, now with the Somerset Patriots. After playing four games with High-A Tampa starting May 14, Dominguez moved up to Double-A and was in the lineup for his eighth game with the Patriots on Friday night.
“I feel really good. The progression has been great. We’re going day by day, and every day I feel good.” Dominguez said before Friday’s game.
While the end of his rehab stint isn’t imminent, Dominguez has started transitioning back to his regular position. Initially, he played his first 10 rehab games as a designated hitter. However, he made his first appearance in center field for Somerset’s Wednesday morning game.
Although Dominguez was scheduled to play center field again on Friday, the Yankees made a last-minute lineup change, shifting him back to designated hitter. Dominguez still participated in his on-field throwing drills, indicating no setbacks, just a cautious approach to managing his workload.
“I really don’t know,” Dominguez said about the position switch. “I just do whatever they tell me to do.”
As the Yankees’ top minor league prospect, Dominguez is focused on his recovery. He felt good playing in the field again and confirmed that his throwing arm feels as strong as it did before the surgery.
According to multiple reports, switch-hitting without any post-surgery adjustments, Jasson Dominguez’s progress is clear. However, Somerset hitting coach Kevin Martir notes that everything has been going ‘well’ with Dominguez
Somerset hitting coach Kevin Martir noted, “Everything is pretty normal with him. It’s just kind of ramping back up — seeing velocity and all that kind of good stuff. But everything is going well with Jasson.”
Jasson Dominguez got a taste of the major leagues last September, making an impressive debut by homering in his first career at-bat against Justin Verlander. He finished with a .980 OPS and four home runs in 33 plate appearances.
Despite his potential, Jasson Dominguez is likely to head to Triple-A after his rehab. The Yankees’ outfield is currently crowded with Alex Verdugo, Aaron Judge, and Juan Soto, with Trent Grisham as the defensive reserve.
Jasson Dominguez is undoubtedly a key part of the Yankees’ future plans, but for now, regular playing time in Triple-A might be best for his development.
For now, the Somerset Patriots are thrilled to have him back. Dominguez played 109 games in Double-A last year before being called up to Triple-A in late August.
Jasson Dominguez shared that the most common advice from teammates who have undergone Tommy John surgery is to be patient. He acknowledged that this is the hardest part of rehab.
“There are times when you feel ready and want to go play, but obviously you’ve got to be patient and make everything right,” Dominguez said.
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