Jason Dominguez returned to the Yankees on Monday, in the midst of a playoff race. The Bronx Bombers called up the 21-year-old outfielder, their No. 1 prospect and the No. 16 prospect in baseball, before the series opener against the Kansas City Royals at Yankee Stadium.
Dominguez is expected to play a major role during the final weeks of the regular season as the Yankees battle for the American League East title.
“Jasson is going to play a lot,” manager Aaron Boone said.
The return of “El Marciano” begins on Monday, with Dominguez immediately inserted into the Yankees’ starting lineup, batting sixth and playing center field.
“I think he enjoys the bright lights,” Boone said. “I don’t think he’s overwhelmed, wherever he is.”
This is happening in Major League Baseball at the most crucial moment of the Yankees’ season. New York enters play Monday with a half-game lead over the Orioles for first place in the division, with 19 games remaining to clinch a playoff spot.
“I like to compete. I like the challenge,” Dominguez said before Monday’s match. “Obviously this is the best, this is the level [el más alto]…And I like it.”
The Yankees made headlines when they opted to call up speedy outfielder Duke Ellis in place of Dominguez when rosters were expanded Sept. 1, even amid left fielder Alex Verdugo’s struggles in his first year in pinstripes.
Boone at the time cited promising developments in Verdugo’s offense and a desire for Dominguez to receive regular playing time — something he wouldn’t get in the Yankees’ outfield with Aaron Judge, Juan Soto and Verdugo. General manager Brian Cashman echoed that sentiment last Friday. But just three days later, it was Dominguez’s time.
“He’s been knocking on that door ever since he got back, and now seemed like the time to bring him in.”
Dominguez was a sensation in his first eight games of the season. MLB last season, hitting four homers with one steal before tearing the UCL in his right elbow and undergoing Tommy John surgery. He returned on Aug. 18 to make his first appearance for the Yankees this year, and went 0 for 4 as the 27th man in the Little League Classic.
Dominguez has put up huge numbers with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre since then, posting a .347/.398/.560 line with four homers, 11 RBIs and seven steals in 18 games.
Dominguez’s call-up came amid a flurry of Yankees roster moves on Monday that also saw DJ LeMahieu land on the 10-day injured list with a right hip impingement. Speedy infielder Jon Berti also returned from the 60-day injured list, while left-hander Anthony Misiewicz was designated for assignment.
“This is the dream,” Dominguez said. “Ever since I started playing, I wanted to play in the big leagues. And now I’m here again. It’s exciting.”
2024-09-10 00:34:22