Clearwater, Fla. – Due to the same amount of attention that Jasson Domínguez's adjustment to the left field has been this spring, he hasn't done much with the bat throughout the first week or more games.
That changed on Tuesday.
Dominguez crushed his first home run in the spring, flashing the speed of beating an infield single as the Yankees defeated the Phillies 12-3 at Baycare Ballpark.
“It feels good to get that first one,” Dominguez said. “I'm used to all kinds of at-bats.”
The Yankees have banked this spring with Dominguez, who has been getting a job on the left field, but first they have to prove that he can handle the left field defensively.
His bat could also be a wild card in the lineup, but he didn't show it often enough when he hit .179 with .617 OPS and two home runs late last season.
The strong switch hit Domínguez from the left side is 4-4 so far as a right-handed batter.
However, his homer on Tuesday came from the left.
“If I have a good swing, I feel I can put it out everywhere,” Dominguez said. “I feel good about swings from both sides. The first thing is to keep me healthy this year. And my goal is to play the way people expect me to play.”
Clayton Beater, who entered camp slightly late due to shoulder issues, is throwing a bullpen session but has yet to face a batsman. The Yankees have turned him into a reliever, but he doesn't consider the bullpen a candidate out of camp as he is a slow start to spring.
“He's moving a little slower, but he's made some progress,” said manager Aaron Boone.
Spencer Jones went 3-3 with four RBIs, including Spring's second home run, earning a triple shortfall in the cycle. …Paul Goldschmidt clubs his first home run of the spring.
Roger Clemens, a guest instructor at Yankee Camp, made the trip Tuesday, when his son Kody did the same for the Phillies and brought out a lineup card to his home plate. Kody later played the final three innings of the game on 2 base.
Jorbit Vivas made its spring debut on Tuesday, starting with 2 base after being late early due to shoulder issues. He went 3-for-3 in the RBI.
– Additional Reports by Dan Martin
