David Bednar’s Struggles Continue in Loss
Before Wednesday’s game, David Bednar had made five appearances this season, successfully recording saves in each. However, he has lately faced difficulties due to a slight dip in the velocity of his fastball.
Both Bednar and Aaron Boone expressed minimal concern regarding the reduced speed of his four-seamer and splitter. Still, in a tight 3-2 loss to the Athletics, Bednar allowed runs for the third time in four games.
“The season and the weather are fast. It’s a bit cold,” Bednar noted. “There’s really no reason to panic.”
He might also be feeling the consequences of his recent back-to-back outings, during which he threw a total of 73 pitches.
Against the Athletics, he struggled, allowing two hits and a sacrifice fly that contributed to the winning run.
Over his last four appearances, he’s pitched 4 1/3 innings, giving up eight hits, one walk, and three runs, while striking out six.
“I got ahead of the guys, but I couldn’t finish them off, which is crucial in a game like that,” Bednar said about his performance. “I got stuck in a jam and didn’t manage to escape.”
Jason Dominguez’s Return
In a noteworthy twist, Jason Dominguez returned to center field on Wednesday for the first time since 2024. He began his pro career there but was moved to left field. Last season, he played in the majors, starting in left until he entered his eighth minor league game this year, going 0-for-5 as a center fielder for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
With Dominguez’s move, Spencer Jones started in left field for the first time this season. Boone indicated that the Yankees want their top prospects to gain experience in various positions.
“You never really know what’s going to happen,” Boone remarked. Injuries are commonplace, and performance can fluctuate. The current outfield includes Cody Bellinger on the left, Trent Grisham in center, Aaron Judge on the right, Giancarlo Stanton at DH, and Randall Grichuk off the bench, highlighting the talent of the Yankees’ top minor league outfielders.
Due to the stability of the major league outfield, neither Dominguez nor Jones had a real shot at breaking into the opening roster. Boone expressed satisfaction with Dominguez’s spring at-bats, particularly a home run off left-handed pitcher Tanner Banks, despite his struggles on the right side as a switch hitter.
“I saw him play well in left field the other day,” Boone mentioned. “He really got off to a great start.”
If both Dominguez and Jones can effectively play in multiple outfield positions, the Yankees will have stronger options available for the majors, especially if injuries arise or Grisham finds it hard to replicate his strong 2025 season.
Carlos Rodon Updates
Carlos Rodon was set to pitch two simulated innings during a bullpen session. The left-hander, who had faced a setback last week with hamstring tightness during his recovery from offseason elbow surgery, managed to throw again following the issue.
Boone wasn’t entirely clear about the next steps for Rodon, who was close to starting a rehab assignment before his hamstring setback.
“We want to ensure he’s ready before he engages in any live or game situations,” Boone noted.
Anthony Volpe’s Potential Return
Anthony Volpe is expected to join the Yankees after they finish their series in Tampa this weekend. Currently practicing at the club’s spring facility, Boone mentioned that Volpe could start his rehab next week, though details would become clearer in the following days.
Silver Slugger Awards Acknowledged
Before the game, the 2025 Silver Slugger Award winners were honored: Aaron Judge (outfielder), Jazz Chisholm Jr. (second baseman), and the entire Yankees offensive line received team awards.
