ARLINGTON – The Yankees universally praised how Jasson Domínguez handled being optioned to the Minors near the end of camp, detailing a mature demeanor and robust on-field performance that earned a return to the big leagues.
They only wished that Giancarlo Stanton’s injury hadn’t made it necessary.
Domínguez went 1-for-4 in the Yankees’ 4-2 victory over the Rangers at Globe Life Field, after which manager Aaron Boone announced Stanton would be placed on the injured list with a low-grade strain in his right calf. That move was officially made before Tuesday night's game, with infielder Max Schuemann being added to the roster in Stanton's place.
“[Stanton is] a big force in the middle of our lineup; big RBI production,” said captain Aaron Judge. “But I’m hoping it’s a small stint. I think he was able to catch it early, hopefully. He’ll be back up there. When you call up a guy like Jasson Domínguez, who can fill that role by DHing and playing some outfield for us, it’s going to be huge.”
Stanton underwent an MRI on Monday in Arlington, three days after sustaining the injury while running the bases in Houston. Stanton is slashing .256/.302/.422 with three homers and 14 RBIs in 24 games this season.
“It doesn’t look too serious, but enough to not want to wait a couple more days,” Boone said. “We’ll see what we have as the week unfolds. Hopefully it’s not too long.”
Domínguez was promoted after the Yankees optioned right-hander Luis Gil to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre after Sunday’s loss to the Astros. Gil has struggled this year with reduced velocity and command, pitching to a 1-2 record and a 6.05 ERA in four starts.
The Yankees will not need a fifth starter until May 5, and Gil’s return is not assured.
Gerrit Cole is considered behind Carlos Rodón, who is getting close to returning from his Minor League rehab assignment, though Boone said Monday that Rodón won’t be ready for the May 5 turn.
Boone announced Tuesday that Elmer Rodríguez, the organization’s No. 3 prospect according to MLB Pipeline, will be recalled to start Wednesday's game in place of Will Warren, who is healthy and will face the Orioles during the Yankees' upcoming homestand, according to a source.
Additional roster wrinkles could come during the club’s upcoming homestand, with shortstop Anthony Volpe entering the final stages of his Minor League rehab assignment. However, Volpe is not expected to join the team in Texas, as he’s slated to play for Double-A Somerset on Tuesday and Wednesday.
So for now, Domínguez could have a chance to make a big league impact. The 23-year-old continued to build on a strong spring with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, where he posted an .893 OPS, three home runs and eight stolen bases in 24 games.
“He’s playing with good energy and passion,” said a Major League scout who recently saw Domínguez. “He’s timed up offensively, running well and working hard to improve his defense. [It was a] refreshing look.”
The Rangers are throwing three right-handers in this series, but it’s notable that Domínguez has enjoyed success in Triple-A against left-handed pitching. He went 7-for-18 (.389) with three doubles and one homer against them.
“Right now, I’ve been feeling good,” Domínguez said. “I’ve been getting those at-bats, I’ve been getting good results. I think I’m in a better place right now.”
Domínguez said he has been “taking a lot of reps” defensively to improve his jumps and routes. Boone characterized the internal reports on Domínguez’s defense as “OK – he’s had a couple of mistakes in there.”
The scout said Domínguez’s defense is “high intent, fair results. He gets to balls well but has just fair instincts. It’s not for lack of effort.”
While Domínguez said he understood the crowded landscape of the Yankees’ outfield, Judge said he sensed Domínguez was “definitely upset” not to make the Opening Day roster.
“I think he’ll show up here ready to prove some people wrong and kind of send a message,” Judge said. “I’m excited about it.”