Even though Jasson Domínguez just had his rehab assignment prolonged and has only made a few appearances in the outfield, Aaron Boone believes the top prospect is close to being capable of helping the Yankees.
If only they had a spot for him.
Domínguez, recovering from UCL surgery, had his assignment extended an additional 10 days on Tuesday. He was also transferred to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre after four games with Single-A Tampa and 10 games with Double-A Somerset.
The 21-year-old was hitting .333/.404/.588 with four home runs and 10 RBI over 14 rehab games prior to Tuesday.
“The reports have been really good,” Boone said. “His body’s in really good shape. His rehab from surgery till now has really gone exactly how you would hope. He hasn’t had many hiccups.”
With The Martian playing and feeling so well, Boone was asked how soon Domínguez could help the Yankees in the event of an emergency.
“Very,” the manager replied before the team’s series-opener against the Twins.
Asked if that meant right now, Boone replied, “Maybe. Incredibly.”
Of course, the Yankees don’t need Domínguez right now.
Their starting outfield is set with Juan Soto, Aaron Judge and Alex Verdugo. Domínguez would be an offensive upgrade (and defensive downgrade) over backup outfielder Trent Grisham, but sticking the farmhand on the bench or in a limited role could hurt his development.
“No,” Boone said when asked if he’s thought about Domínguez’s possible path to playing time at the big league level, as that would likely require an injury.
Domínguez said he hasn’t been thinking about what happens when his assignment ends. However, if the Yankees remain in good health, he’ll likely stay put in Scranton.
“I don’t know what’s the plan. I know nothing about that yet,” Domínguez recently said. “I can’t control that. Just playing in my progression, and when the time comes, we will see what happens.”
Domínguez burst onto the scene last year, hitting four homers over eight games with the Yankees after the team, out of the playoff hunt, turned its attention toward younger players.
This year, however, the Yankees are a powerhouse, and all of their starting outfielders are playing well. There’s simply no need to rush Domínguez back, especially when he’s still growing as a young player.
“I think Jasson Domínguez is going to have a great career,” Boone said. “I think he’s going to be a cornerstone player for us. I’ve felt that way since the day I saw him. I think he’s got great physical skills, [and] I believe in the makeup of the person. And so when that starts back, I know we’re gonna have a really good player impacting us.
“We’ll see when that is.”
