Yankees’ Top Prospect Jasson Domínguez Gets a Chance to Shine in Little League Classic
The recent Little League Classic between the Detroit Tigers and the New York Yankees provided an opportunity for teams to utilize a designated “27th man” on their rosters. The Yankees chose to bring up their top prospect, Jasson Domínguez, for the game. While this move doesn’t impact his minor-league options, it does give Domínguez one day of service time and brings him closer to surpassing the 130 at-bat threshold needed to no longer be considered a rookie.
Facing off against the Tigers’ left-handed ace, Tarik Skubal, posed a challenge for Domínguez in his Yankees debut. However, it also gave the organization a chance to evaluate the 21-year-old, who could potentially find himself on the postseason roster. Domínguez’s performance on Sunday, where he finished 0-for-4 with three strikeouts, may not have been ideal, but it provided valuable insights into his abilities.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone strategically crafted the lineup to maximize their chances against Skubal. With lefties struggling against Skubal this season, Boone opted for seven right-handed hitters, one lefty, and one switch-hitter in Domínguez. Although Domínguez performs better from the left side of the plate, the Yankees wanted an additional threat in the middle of their order, which led to his inclusion over Oswaldo Cabrera.
Despite his potential, Domínguez is unlikely to remain with the Yankees for their upcoming game against the Cleveland Guardians. General manager Brian Cashman stated that there is currently no space on the 26-man roster for Domínguez. The team is performing well, and it is essential to maintain depth for emergencies. Unless there are injuries before September 1, the date when clubs can add one position player and one pitcher to their rosters, Domínguez will likely continue developing in Triple-A.
Furthermore, it is not guaranteed that Domínguez will be the Yankees’ choice for the September call-up. The team may face difficult roster decisions with the potential return of Anthony Rizzo and Jon Berti. If the Yankees believe that Domínguez presents a better chance for them to succeed in October, they may use September to ease him into the starting left fielder role. Additionally, Domínguez could be utilized as a platoon option against left-handed pitchers or start in center field when Aaron Judge is the designated hitter.
Domínguez’s 2024 season has been disappointing, playing in only 40 games due to injuries. He started the year on the injured list while recovering from Tommy John surgery and later injured his oblique. However, he has shown signs of improvement in his recent Triple-A games, with a .461 batting average and one home run in his last four outings. Domínguez remains optimistic, acknowledging the ups and downs of baseball and expressing his determination to overcome challenges.
In contrast, current left fielder Alex Verdugo has struggled this season, with an 84 wRC+ and just 0.4 fWAR. He has also received negative defensive grades. Domínguez, with his higher ceiling and potential impact, could be a valuable addition to the Yankees’ postseason roster. If Domínguez earns the September call-up, Verdugo may find himself in a precarious position, potentially losing his spot on the playoff roster.
Overall, the Little League Classic provided an opportunity for the Yankees to showcase their top prospect, Jasson Domínguez. While his performance in the game may not have been outstanding, it allowed the organization to evaluate his abilities and determine his potential impact in the postseason. With September call-ups approaching, the Yankees face challenging roster decisions that could shape their lineup for the playoffs. Domínguez’s progress and performance will be crucial factors in their decision-making process.