The New York Yankees are carefully overseeing the recovery of top prospect Jasson Dominguez from Tommy John surgery. Despite this cautious approach, Dominguez is progressing swiftly through his rehabilitation program and is anticipated to commence a rehab assignment soon, possibly as early as Tuesday or Wednesday with Single-A Tampa, according to Manager Aaron Boone.
Dominguez’s Rapid Recovery and Expected Contribution
His accelerated recovery suggests that Dominguez could make a return to the Yankees well ahead of schedule. His absence last season created a noticeable gap in the team’s outfield, prompting them to bolster the position during the off-season with acquisitions such as Juan Soto and Alex Verdugo. While the current outfield lineup appears strong, Dominguez’s comeback could provide a valuable boost, especially in the event of injuries or inconsistent performances.
The Stanton Situation and Dominguez’s Potential Role
There’s speculation about when the Yankees might start viewing Giancarlo Stanton as a liability. Stanton’s performance this season, including a batting average of .230, an OBP of .283, and a slugging percentage of .452 with eight home runs and 20 RBIs in 36 games, has raised concerns. His strikeout rate has surged to 34.5%, and his walk rate has declined, resulting in a weighted runs created plus (wRC+) of 110—just 10% above the league average. This is underwhelming for a designated hitter earning over $30 million annually.
Despite his limited defensive capabilities and declining offensive output, Stanton has historically received considerable patience from the Yankees. However, with Dominguez nearing a return, the team will soon need to contemplate whether to grant him regular playing time, either as a designated hitter or in the outfield.Boone commented on Saturday, via the New York Post, saying, “Hopefully it is a tough decision at that point, because good things are happening here. We’ll cross that bridge when we get there.”
Looking forward, 2025 is projected to be the year when Dominguez fully transitions into a starting role, ideally alongside Aaron Judge and Soto. Last year, in just eight MLB games, Dominguez displayed his potential by hitting .258/.303/.677 with four home runs and seven RBIs, achieving a wRC+ of 162. His performance, which included a home run off Justin Verlander in Houston, highlighted his ability to handle elite pitching.
With emerging talents like Spencer Jones within the organization, the Yankees are gearing up for tough decisions regarding outfield positions. Boone continues to express strong confidence in Dominguez’s abilities, stressing his potential for a successful major league career.
