Since being called up on September 9th, the New York Yankees’ top prospect Jasson Domínguez has proven to be a valuable asset to their roster. He has even made a case for a spot in the starting lineup in the postseason. However, the young outfielder may be held back from a starting role due to his spotty defense. Having split time in left field almost 50/50 with Alex Verdugo, it’s become clear that despite what Domínguez can do at the plate, his game is hindered by his defensive struggles. Subsequently, Aaron Boone has a tough decision to make as to who is getting the starting nod in left field for the Yankees in the postseason.
Who Starts in Left Field for the Yankees This Postseason?
The Case for Domínguez
Though “The Martian” has shown that he can be a force offensively, his case to be the starter is heavily aided by Verdugo’s lackluster production at the plate. The 28-year-old Verdugo has put up a slash line of .233/.292/.645 over 146 games, only hitting two home runs since the All-Star break. Domínguez has already matched that total over just 14 games.
Jasson Domínguez, ready for takeoff 🚀
The Martian ties it up for the @Yankees. pic.twitter.com/nSsYLrkjIr
— MLB (@MLB) September 22, 2024
The 21-year-old switch-hitter got off to a slow start this season, currently owning a WRC+ of 87. He has picked it up recently, however, boasting an OPS of .733 in his last 7 games. And not only does he hold value as a hitter, but on the base paths as well. The speedy outfielder already has four stolen bases in just 14 games this season. This is crucial for the Yankees, who currently rank 25th in MLB in stolen bases.
Domínguez is not yet the star player that he’s been hailed as for years. But he is still young and improving rapidly, which could translate into solid production in the postseason.
The Case for Verdugo
It’s no secret that Verdugo has played the majority of the Yankees’ games because of his fielding ability. His seven assists are tied for fourth amongst all left fielders, and he’s only made one error throughout the season. Unfortunately, this is about where the positives end. His hitting has been horrific, no matter which way you look at it.
Thankfully for the Yankees, his fielding has been excellent, because the team likely won’t feel comfortable with Domínguez in left in October. His error that allowed two runs to score against the Orioles on Wednesday night wasn’t the first time he made a routine play look difficult. He also dropped a normal fly ball against the Seattle Mariners that opened the door for a big inning. This is a manager’s worst fear in the playoffs, as every out is necessary and important.
the Jasson Domínguez play in left field triggered a quick flash flood of bad times in the post Gardy era pic.twitter.com/RB0WqPtKe9
— Jomboy (@Jomboy_) September 26, 2024
With Verdugo in left, there (likely) won’t be any mishaps or bad errors. Sure, he may be a liability at the plate. However, saving runs on defense can be just as valuable as scoring them on offense.
The Last Word
These last four games of the season may be vital in determining who’s starting in left field in Game 1. A platoon situation isn’t ideal in the postseason, though both Verdugo and Domínguez should definitely see some action. If Domínguez continues to pick it up with the bat, it’s likely he will get the start purely for his offensive and baserunning value. However, if he continues to make tough blunders in the field, there’s a good chance that Verdugo will replace him.
In their series against the Oakland A’s last weekend, Boone decided to start Domínguez and later replaced him with Verdugo. This strategy may very well be what we see in the postseason. A first-inning error is one thing; but in the postseason, no manager would risk it in the ninth. Domínguez knows he has to get better, and he has a few more games left to prove it. Either way, both players are certainly capable of helping the Yankees in their postseason run as they look to make it back to the World Series for the first time in 15 years.
Photo Credit: © Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
