The Yankees have been patient with outfielder Alex Verdugo, who managed to make an impact with two hits in Friday’s loss to the Red Sox. However, his prolonged slump since mid-June and the emergence of top prospect Jasson Dominguez suggest that Verdugo’s time in the Yankees’ outfield may soon be over.
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, Verdugo is likely to lose his spot due to the rise of Dominguez, who has been dominating Triple-A pitching at Scranton-Wilkes-Barre with an impressive slash line of .375/.405/.600.
Heyman notes that Dominguez, nicknamed “The Martian,” could be called up within a week or two. Despite having a limited major league track record and recent injury concerns, Dominguez has shown significant potential, hitting four home runs in just 31 major league at-bats.
With Dominguez recently activated by Triple-A Scranton-Wilkes-Barre, Heyman suggests that he should be integrated into the Yankees’ lineup as a full-time player as soon as possible.
Yankees’ Alex Verdugo Mired in Massive Slump
Despite his two hits on Friday, Alex Verdugo’s performance remains concerning, with his batting average at .231 and an OPS of .655—both the worst of his career. On June 14, Verdugo was hitting .266 with nine home runs and went 3-for-5 with a homer against the Red Sox, while the Yankees held a strong 50-22 record.
Since then, Verdugo has struggled significantly, hitting just .160 with a .445 OPS. He’s managed only one home run in 33 games during this period, which also came against Boston. The Yankees have faltered as well, with a 10-23 record over the same span.
Though Verdugo was moved from the fourth to the sixth spot in the lineup, the adjustment didn’t improve his performance. He was placed in the leadoff position on Friday.
“I’m kind of getting tested right now,” Verdugo acknowledged, according to the Post. “It hasn’t been the funnest. It’s been a little bit of a struggle, but that’s what this game is.”
Jasson Dominguez Has Been Slowed by Injuries
Jasson Dominguez might have returned to the Yankees sooner, but his path back to the major leagues has been hampered by injuries. After requiring Tommy John surgery late last season, Dominguez worked his way back during the spring, only to be sidelined again by an oblique injury. He made his return on Friday, recording a hit and an RBI for Scranton-Wilkes-Barre.
Manager Aaron Boone mentioned this week that Dominguez could be a future option for the Yankees. “When the need arises, he’s in play,” Boone said.
Given Alex Verdugo’s recent struggles, that need may have arrived.
Dominguez is the Yankees’ top prospect and has been a focus of their development for five years. The team signed him as a 16-year-old in 2019, using a record $5.1 million of their $5.4 million bonus pool to secure him.
