Yankees Adjusting Lineup as Injuries Mount
The New York Yankees are navigating changes in their roster as they prepare for upcoming games.
Manager Aaron Boone mentioned that prospect Jason Dominguez played right field in Triple-A on Tuesday and was set to do the same on Wednesday. This is intriguing because Dominguez has only minimal experience in that position, having played there just once in the minors, and he has never played right field in the majors. But, with Aaron Judge sidelined due to injury, Dominguez might be stepping into that role soon.
“He said he felt really comfortable out there, and everything went smoothly,” Boone shared before their recent 8-4 victory against the Guardians. “His drills went well, too. I think he’s eager to show how he can contribute in various ways,” he added. This optimism is a bit refreshing, considering the context.
There’s also a possibility of moving Cody Bellinger—a versatile left fielder—over to right field to make room for Dominguez. But Bellinger has been outstanding defensively, and the left field at Yankee Stadium is more expansive, which could complicate matters.
Of course, this entire strategy relies on Dominguez being ready to join the majors once his shoulder rehab wraps up. And that’s not necessarily a foregone conclusion, especially with prospect Spencer Jones continuing to perform well in his second stint at the big league level. Boone mentioned the team had initially moved Dominguez to left field to help him transition, but versatility is crucial. “Spencer’s been doing a great job in center and also getting solid practice in both corner positions,” Boone noted, suggesting it just might amplify their overall skill set.
In another update, pitcher Ryan Weathers, who will start on Friday after resting for six days, had been warming up regularly in case Carlos Rodón needed to exit early during his game. Boone pointed out Weathers was quite active—“He was prepared for anything,” he remarked, highlighting the need for flexibility among players, especially in pressing situations.
Weather conditions have also played a role; Gerrit Cole faced fatigue during a four-inning stint due to the humidity, a factor that worsened in their recent game. Both Cole and Rodón are working back from injuries, and Rodón noted the summer heat was definitely felt. “It’s warm out there, but we have a job to do and we need to compete,” he commented.
Meanwhile, Angel Civilli is on a rehab assignment at Triple-A after pitching for the Yankees earlier this season, adding another layer of intrigue as the team assesses its options moving forward.
