The New York Yankees may face a managerial dilemma as the weeks go on. They are on the verge of trying to win the American League East and will be tasked with putting the best possible lineup and alignment on the field. Based on his recent performance, Outfielder Alex Verdugo may be under review.
The Bronx Bombers have had their share of offensive troubles over the past few months. Aaron Judge and Juan Soto are the primary heavy hitters in a lineup that desperately needed a boost. As time passed, fan favorites thought to be productive all season only have caused doubt. Alex Verdugo is in that conversation.
Outfielder Alex Verdugo started his Yankees career off in clutch format with reliability and fanatic trust. From April to August 2024, the Yankees outfielder has shown a decline in offensive production. In his last 15 games, Verdugo recorded only 12 hits and four RBIs.
A Crucial Month Ahead for Alex Verdugo
With a dismal .233/.294/.362 batting line, Verdugo has been underperforming. Given his continuous slump and recent unreliability at the plate, the Yankees are likely contemplating replacing him in the lineup. His previous positioning within the top six spots in the batting order, only to be moved down to ninth, significantly reflects his struggles and the team’s response to his performance.
The consistent defensive effort and success in the outfield will be absent. Verdugo is an asset on the defensive end and will be a monster when he’s on offensively. The left-handed hitter, unfortunately, plays within one of the most stacked outfield lineups in the league about offensive production.
Who Might the Answer Instead of Verdugo?
Without a doubt, it most likely will be outfielder Jasson Dominguez. After clearing injury, Dominguez has put up hot numbers in the minors with a vengeance to return to big-league play. He’s slashing a .308/.361/.466. He will be called up in September upon roster expansions. He may be the starting outfielder, making a new trio on the grass and outfield. This will bring Verdugo off the bench in situations.
Dominguez has achieved 58 hits in 188 at-bats, along with eight home runs and 27 RBI. Despite his walk-to-strikeout ratio not being terrible, what truly showcases his athleticism are his 14 stolen bases. It’s clear that Dominguez has the potential to significantly influence the lineup’s production.
Where else does he assist? Playmaking is done from the base running standpoint and defensively in the outfield.
Verdugo would still be extremely effective as a left-handed bench substitute. Dominguez will have to fight his way onto a starting spot, especially toward a postseason run and into the postseason. If Verdugo continues his decline and slump, it will be an easy decision for Yankees management. He seems to be coming out of his slump-shell with signs of quality at-bats. His character and ability will have him bounce back, making that positional competition a hot topic as we move toward September baseball.
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