Odd man out? Domínguez hears the talk, but 'a lot of things can happen'

TAMPA, Fla. – Jasson Domínguez understands there is uncertainty about his role, after Yankees general manager Brian Cashman suggested the switch-hitting outfielder might be best served to begin the season in the Minors.

“The Martian” also recognizes how quickly circumstances can change.

“Obviously, I hear all of that, but I try not to focus on that,” Domínguez said Sunday as Yankees position players reported to George M. Steinbrenner Field. “I try not to focus on that, because there is a Spring Training coming and this is baseball. A lot of things can happen.”

The Yankees’ outfield once again appears crowded, with Cody Bellinger, Trent Grisham and Aaron Judge in line for regular roles and Giancarlo Stanton slotted in as the designated hitter.

That would leave little playing time for Domínguez, a 23-year-old who spent most of the second half last season in a reserve role.

That prompted an internal debate about optioning Domínguez to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Cashman said last week that he “would concede it’s in his best interest to be getting everyday reps.”

“They’ve got to do what’s best for the team,” Domínguez said. “Whatever decision they make, I’ll be ready for.”

Domínguez said veteran Amed Rosario helped him adjust to reduced playing time, offering advice on preparing for pinch-hitting and pinch-running opportunities.

“Rosario has been in that role before,” Domínguez said. “The biggest thing I learned from that is just trying to be ready whenever the opportunity comes, if I’ve got to steal a base or if I’ve got to hit. I’ve just got to be ready for when that moment comes.”

Domínguez appeared in just one postseason game, entering as a ninth-inning pinch-hitter for Anthony Volpe in Game 4 of the American League Division Series against the Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium. Domínguez doubled to the wall in right-center field and scored in New York's season-ending 5-2 loss.

Following the Bombers’ playoff exit, Domínguez participated in winter ball, seeking additional reps in left field and against left-handed pitching. That’s an area in which he has struggled, and one the Yankees will watch closely this spring.

Domínguez has batted .186 (22-for-118) with one home run and nine RBIs against big league lefties. He said he has been working out at the club’s Player Development Complex since mid-January.

“Coming into camp, I feel pretty good,” Domínguez said. “I feel like I’ve improved in my defense and my righty side, too. … [Winter ball] was different. It was a lot of players with a lot of experience, and I think that helped me a lot, to have another mentality about defense and hitting. There are a lot of philosophies about that.”

Also potentially squeezed by the outfield alignment is Spencer Jones, who turns 25 in May. Jones – New York's No. 4 prospect, per MLB Pipeline – had been projected to challenge Domínguez for the starting left-field job before Bellinger re-signed on Jan. 26.

Cashman said that some other organizations would have Jones “taking an everyday spot and trying to establish himself at the big league level,” adding, “He’s currently blocked, with us, on the depth chart.”

“In my mind, this is the best organization to play for,” Jones said Sunday. “If opportunities come later, I think it’s for a good reason. We’re trying to help a team win a World Series.”

For now, the Yankees are taking a wait-and-see approach with both Domínguez and Jones. As Cashman said, “Sometimes, those decisions get made for us.”

“I’m going to do my best to get the best results that I can get,” Domínguez said. “That’s what I’m focusing on right now.”