While fans and pundits have been debating whether the Yankees should start Alex Verdugo or Jasson Domínguez in left field, Aaron Boone called the choice a “fairly” easy call for Game 1 of the ALDS on Saturday.
Boone decided to go with Verdugo, penciling him into the nine-hole against the Royals. Verdugo is the more dependable defender, as he had seven Defensive Runs Saved this season. Domínguez, meanwhile, attracted unwanted attention after misplaying a few flyballs following a late-season call-up.
On the flip side, Domínguez offers more potential at the plate. While he didn’t post dazzling offensive numbers, hitting .179 with two homers, four RBI and five stolen bases over 18 games, Verdugo slashed .233/.291/.356 with 13 home runs, 61 RBI and an 83 wRC+.
“I just felt like that was the right way to go today,” Boone said before Saturday’s game, adding that Domínguez could still start this October. “As well as [Verdugo’s] played in left, just felt like it was the right thing to do, and I still feel like he’s got a good run of offense in him too.”
Boone said that the Royals being a contact-heavy team didn’t play into the decision. And while he called Verdugo’s defense a “huge factor,” the manager still believes the impending free agent can make an impact with his bat.
Asked if there was anything analytical informing that decision, Boone replied, “Not really, other than a lot of things line up with who he’s been throughout his career, which has been a good hitter.”
Verdugo has a 101 wRC+ for his eight-year career. One hundred is considered league average.
Boone also said that Verdugo had postseason experience working in his favor. The 28-year-old had some playoff success with the Red Sox in 2021, hitting .310/.383/.452 with three doubles, one homer and six RBI over 11 games in 2021.
“I think that factors in for sure,” Boone said. “Yeah, I mean, Dugie is obviously a veteran in this league, playoff experience, outstanding defensively. That all factors in, but it doesn’t mean Jasson is not going to play a big role and kick in an opportunity and still impact us in some way, shape or form.”
Boone also revealed that Verdugo and Domínguez are not the Yankees’ only options in left field this month. Trent Grisham is also in the mix and could get a start.
Grisham, a Gold Glove center fielder, has not played the position all season. However, he’s been working out there and moved around the outfield as a Brewers prospect. He also played some left for Milwaukee in 2019.
“It’s more about just getting reps out there,” Grisham told the Daily News when asked about his comfort level in left.
The scarcely-used Grisham added that he had “no idea” why he had not gotten work in left sooner, but he had a .770 OPS, eight homers and 28 RBI over 55 games from June 6 through the end of the regular season. For comparison, Verdugo had a .600 OPS, eight homers and 44 RBI over 115 games from May 8 through the end of the season.
