In a move that has left many in the Bronx bewildered, the New York Yankees have opted to go with Alex Verdugo over Jasson Domínguez, sparking a heated debate among fans and analysts alike. General Manager Brian Cashman, the mastermind behind the decision, has finally shed some light on the thought process behind this contentious choice. The Yankees continue to believe that Verdugo is their best choice in left field, which is why Domínguez was not promoted.
“Jasson is doing everything he needs to do right now, and Verdugo is playing better baseball recently,” Cashman said to MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch. “The evaluations that we’re having with our field staff and player development staff and front office staff is just, ‘What is going to give us the best chance to win?’
“As of right now, we’re staying with what we’ve got, but we’re always in the position to change our minds at some point, too.”
Alex Verdugo Jasson Domínguez Yankees Controversy Becomes Hot Button Issue
Domínguez spent the early part of the season rehabbing from Tommy John surgery performed last September. He began a rehab assignment in May until an oblique injury cost him six weeks of action. When he returned, he hit .282/.352/.443 with five home runs and 21 RBI in 33 games. On the other hand, Verdugo is hitting consistently at the right time, posting 14 hits in his last 41 at-bats and a .796 OPS over an 11-game span. The potential free agent is hitting .235/.293/.359 in 134 games.
Calls for the Yankees to have Domínguez on the roster over Verdugo are mounting. Over the last 20 games, Domínguez has an impressive batting line of .375/.438/.613. Meanwhile, Verdugo’s performance has been lackluster, hitting .225/.260/.296 during the same period. The Yankees called up Domínguez for one game this year, but when rosters expanded, they added outfielder Duke Ellis instead. Ellis was claimed off waivers from the Seattle Mariners on August 27th.
No Promotion Just Yet
Hoch said that Cashman does not intend to promote the top prospect unless it is for regular playing time. Verdugo Juan Soto and Aaron Judge patrol the outfield. Cashman does not see an opportunity quite yet.
“If he comes, he’s got to play,” Cashman said. “He’s not going to come here and just sit. That’s why the pinch-runner [Ellis] is here currently. Whenever [Jon] Berti is coming, you start doing the chess board and see where Berti comes, whose spot is he going to take? So ultimately, if Domínguez comes, he’s got to play.”
Domínguez can be promoted at any time this month. Since he is on the 40-man roster, Domínguez is eligible to play in the postseason.
Main Photo: © David Reginek-Imagn Images
