ARLINGTON -- “The Martian” has landed in Texas.
The Yankees officially recalled outfielder Jasson Domínguez on Monday, adding a bat to the roster as Giancarlo Stanton continues to deal with tightness in his right calf.
Stanton underwent an MRI on Monday in Arlington, and manager Aaron Boone said the club is waiting for the results.
“I do expect us to have a decision one way or another [Monday],” Boone said. “It’s been minor enough to where we’ve kind of continued to push this. We’ll see what the doctor says about it and how he responds to that.”
It is possible that the Yankees will proceed with a five-man bench for the time being, thus allowing Stanton additional recovery time as he hopes to avoid a stint on the injured list.
“Down there in Triple-A, that’s what you work for, to get back to the Majors,” Domínguez said.
The club optioned right-hander Luis Gil to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre after Sunday’s game. 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.
Carlos Rodón 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.
Gerrit Cole is considered behind Rodón, so other spot starter choices could include Carlos Lagrange and Elmer Rodríguez, the organization’s top pitching prospects according to MLB Pipeline.
One additional wrinkle 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.
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 a 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.”
In 149 Major League games over the past three seasons, Domínguez has compiled a .248/.327/.397 slash line, with 20 doubles, one triple, 16 homers and 58 RBIs in 149 games.
Domínguez said he has been “taking a lot of reps” defensively to improve his jumps and routes. Boone characterized the 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.”
Stanton sustained the calf issue running the bases on Friday evening against the Astros and missed the next two games. Stanton is batting .256/.302/.422 with three homers and 14 RBIs in 24 games this season.
“At some point, I would expect us to know if we’re going to be bringing in [another] player,” Boone said.