Jason Dominguez Adjusts to Right Field Challenges
In Friday’s game against the Bronx, Jason Dominguez managed to reel in a liner, but he’s grappling with some growing pains in right field.
On Saturday, he made an impressive catch off a liner from JJ Brady. However, an inaccurate throw to second base spoiled a chance for a double play that could have ended the inning.
Dominguez has been rushing his throws lately. It seems that transitioning from center field in the minors hasn’t been entirely smooth. Still, he feels he performs “more naturally” in right field compared to left.
This season, he’s only started three games in right field for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, despite appearing once there in 2024.
Manager Aaron Boone remarked on Dominguez’s performance in the Yankees’ 10-2 defeat to Cincinnati, saying he’s been “pretty good” as a right-handed player. “His speed’s showing. Overall, he’s doing well. It’s still early in his development,” Boone added.
Even though he has not had a lot of experience at this position, Dominguez is eager for the chance. “I want to play as much as possible and give them more options with me,” he shared. “I know I need to adapt to major league play to have a shot, especially on this team. I just want to help out.”
Luis Rojas, the outfield coach, finds his progress encouraging. “I’m sure he felt comfortable right away. We just want to give him more experience. Right field at our stadium plays differently than many other places in the league, but I think his skills will help him adapt,” Rojas noted.
Given that Aaron Judge is sidelined with a fractured right rib, and Trent Grisham is dealing with a hamstring strain, the Yankees are keenly aware of their needs in the outfield.
Dominguez recognizes that the stakes are higher at this level. “There’s little room for error here. Every play has to be executed well,” he expressed. “But I think I can manage it.”
After Saturday’s matchup, Jake Byrd was optioned to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to clear a spot for Sunday’s starting pitcher, Elmer Rodriguez. It’s worth noting that Rodriguez cannot return to the majors for 15 days unless he’s injured.
Carlos LaGrange has been reassigned to the SWB bullpen, with expectations of joining the major league bullpen as early as next month.
Despite the team’s current strengths, changes are anticipated before the trade deadline on August 3, particularly given some of the pitching adjustments made recently.
Jose Caballero was brought in to end the bottom of the second inning. “That shouldn’t happen,” Boone commented, recalling a moment from the game when he caught a ceremonial first pitch.
