The New York Yankees are battling for first place in the AL East and could make some tough roster decisions going forward.
With the Yankees in the midst of a playoff push, manager Aaron Boone could decide to ride the hot hand and not give as much playing time to certain players. As well, rosters are set to expand on September 1.
MLB analyst Stephen Parello of YanksGoYard on FanSided expects the Yankees to limit the playing time of Jasson Dominguez in September. Especially, once Austin Slater returns from injury.
“September will further crowd the outfield depth chart, spelling bad news for Dominguez. Austin Slater will return from injury, though Slater’s role as a left-handed pitching masher won’t directly impact Dominguez,” Parello wrote. “It will have a trickle-down effect, with Bellinger and/or Grisham likely sitting against lefties in favor of Slater, then later making up those missed at-bats against righties at Dominguez’s expense.
Furthermore, should top prospect Spencer Jones get the call, that will bring yet another potent left-handed bat into the fold to erase Dominguez’s playing time,” Parello added. “All of this isn’t to say that it’s time to write the Martian off yet, just that his pathway toward regular playing time will be much more narrow come September.”
Dominguez’s poor play in the outfield will also hinder his playing time, as Boone could decide to go defense-first for his lineup.
Ultimately, if Slater returns from injury or if Jones gets called out, Dominguez could see his playing time decrease in September and into the playoffs.
The Yankees are in third place in the AL East with a record of 73-60.
Yankees’ Have Benched Dominguez in The Past
Dominiguez being benched wouldn’t be a surprise, as the Yankees have benched him in the past.
Earlier this month, Dominiguez was benched for three straight games, but Boone didn’t think it was a huge deal.
“J.D. is a big part of it. I know it’s a few days he hasn’t played. It’s a little snapshot in a long season,” Boone said.
Once Slater returns from injury, it will only crowd the outfield more, and Dominiguez could very well be the odd man out.
However, Dominguez is still a rookie and is just 22 years old, so even if he is benched, he will still be a key part of the Yankees‘ roster for years to come.
Dominguez is hitting .258 with 10 home runs and 58 RBIs this season.
Dominguez Could be a Trade Candidate for the Yankees
Although Boone has shown confidence in Dominguez, his name could be involved in trade rumors this summer.
With Spencer Jones likely to take an outfield spot next season, Dominguez may not have a clear path to playing time. With that, MLB insider Jon Heyman of The New York Post named the 22-year-old rookie a potential trade candidate this winter.
He’s been untouchable, but Spencer Jones should be ready, and Domínguez has disappointed defensively,” he wrote.
Dominguez signed with the Yankees for a franchise record $5.1 million signing bonus on July 2, 2019. He made his MLB debut in 2023.
Analyst Expects Yankees to Decrease Playing Time of Rookie Outfielder