NEW YORK -- Jasson Domínguez was driven off the field in a medical cart after crashing into the left-field fence while making an exceptional catch on the first play of Thursday’s game against the Rangers at Yankee Stadium.
Domínguez took a sharp route on Brandon Nimmo’s leadoff fly ball facing Yanks starter Paul Blackburn, snaring the drive before his back crashed into the chain-link covering on the digital scoreboard.
Jarred by the collision, Domínguez remained down for several moments, receiving attention from head athletic trainer Tim Lentych. The crowd cheered as Domínguez rose to his feet; he shook his head as he was guided toward the seat of the medical cart, which disappeared out a service gate in left-center field.
Domínguez has worked extensively to improve his defense, with scouts seeing improvement this spring and early in the season with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Domínguez has been used as a designated hitter in seven games since being promoted from the Minors; Thursday marked his second game this year in the outfield.
Before Thursday’s game, manager Aaron Boone offered a positive evaluation of Domínguez’s defense.
“I think he’s continued to get a little bit better all the time,” Boone said. “He’s still got a ways to go there to reach his potential out there, because he is so athletic. But he has worked hard at it, and I feel like he definitely has continued to move the needle.”
Amed Rosario moved from third base to right field following Domínguez’s exit, with Cody Bellinger shifting from right field to left field. Ryan McMahon entered the game at third base, leaving the Yanks with a short bench for the afternoon.
Ben Rice (left hand contusion) and José Caballero (left elbow contusion) are both nursing injuries, leaving catcher Austin Wells as the only remaining healthy option.