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.
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.
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 an 1-2 record and 6.05 ERA in four starts.
The Yankees will not need a fifth starter until May 5, and Gil’s return is not assured.
By then, Carlos Rodón could be ready to return from his Minor League rehab assignment, with Gerrit Cole not far behind. 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.
In 149 Major League games over the past three seasons, Domínguez has compiled a .248/.327/.397 slash line, with 20 doubles, a triple, 16 homers and 58 RBIs in 149 games.
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.