The New York Yankees have some decisions to make, according to general manager Brian Cashman. For now, Jasson Domínguez will continue playing in the minors.
New York is in a close race with the Baltimore Orioles for the AL East lead, and Domínguez, who is one of the team’s top prospects at 21 years old, is currently with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Meanwhile, Alex Verdugo is still playing left field for the Yankees.
“Jasson’s doing everything he needs to do right now, and Verdugo’s playing obviously better baseball recently,” Cashman said before Friday’s 3-0 win over the Chicago Cubs.
“So 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, and as of right now, we’re staying pat with what we’ve got, but we’re always in the position to change our minds at some point, too.”
Domínguez hit home runs for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Wednesday and Thursday. He was batting .313 with seven home runs, 24 RBIs, and 15 stolen bases in 41 games for the Triple-A team before Friday’s games.
Domínguez, also known as “The Martian,” made his MLB debut last year and hit four home runs in eight games before needing Tommy John surgery on his right elbow.
He was called up for the Little League Classic last month but went 0 for 4 in New York’s 3-2 loss to Detroit and was sent back to the minors afterward.
Verdugo, acquired in a December trade with Boston, went 1 for 3 with a walk in New York’s series-opening win at Wrigley Field. The 28-year-old outfielder is hitting .341 (15 for 44) over his last 12 games, raising his season stats to a .236 batting average with 11 home runs and 56 RBIs.
When the big league rosters expanded to 28 players on Sunday, New York activated first baseman Anthony Rizzo from the injured list and brought up outfielder/pinch-runner Duke Ellis from Triple-A as part of several moves. However, Domínguez remained in the minors.
