The New York Yankees‘ top outfield prospect, Jasson Dominguez, is facing significant hurdles early in his career, marked by a series of injuries before establishing himself in the MLB. Despite his potential, Dominguez is gaining an “injury-prone” label, having undergone Tommy John surgery at the end of the 2023 season and recently suffering an oblique strain. According to Aaron Boone, this latest injury will sideline him for at least eight weeks.
Jasson Dominguez: Yankees’ Prospect Facing Injury Challenges
Despite these setbacks, Dominguez has shown glimpses of his capability during his time in the minor leagues. The 21-year-old switch-hitter had a promising stint during his rehab assignment, playing 23 games across Double-A Somerset and Triple-A Scranton. In Scranton, he notably hit .389/.405/.639, with two home runs and three RBIs, earning a 167 wRC+. While it’s a small sample size, Dominguez demonstrated that he possesses the attributes of an MLB-caliber player.
There’s hope that Dominguez can return later this year to provide depth for the Yankees during the postseason, despite the disruptions to his development flow.
Future Outlook for Dominguez with the Yankees
Looking ahead to 2024, the Yankees still anticipate Dominguez taking over a starting outfield spot, most likely in left field where Alex Verdugo, an impending free agent, currently plays. While there is speculation about potentially moving Aaron Judge to left field, Judge’s preference for centerfield and his maintained defensive range make this less likely.
In an ideal scenario, the Yankees aim to extend Juan Soto this offseason and solidify an outfield featuring two of baseball’s top hitters along with Dominguez, who is seen as a generational talent with significant offensive potential.
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Addressing Dominguez’s Injury Concerns
The recurring injuries are a concern for Dominguez’s development and future impact at the MLB level. The Yankees are focused on ensuring he fully recovers, recognizing the importance of not rushing his return. Managing his recovery carefully is crucial to avoid long-term issues and help him reach his full potential without the constant threat of injuries.