New York Yankees fans were left both bewildered and furious on Sunday following a surprising roster decision that many found inexplicable. With the MLB rosters expanding, fans eagerly anticipated the promotion of top prospect Jasson Dominguez, yet the Yankees chose to keep the 21-year-old outfielder in Triple-A, sparking widespread frustration and confusion among the fanbase and sportswriters alike.
Dominguez has been tearing it up at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, boasting a .306 batting average and smashing five home runs in just 37 games. His performance has solidified the belief that he’s ready to make an impact at the major league level, especially as the Yankees gear up for a potential playoff run.
This sentiment is only heightened when compared to the struggles of starting outfielder Alex Verdugo, who is hitting a disappointing .232 this season and has become a source of growing frustration among fans.
The decision to leave Dominguez in Triple-A, while promoting lesser-known players like Duke Ellis, a pinch-running specialist, baffled many. Fans and analysts quickly took to social media and other platforms to express their disbelief, questioning why the Yankees would pass on adding a potentially game-changing talent to their roster at such a critical juncture.
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When questioned about the decision, Yankees manager Aaron Boone explained that the team wanted Dominguez to be playing every day, something they felt wasn’t feasible at the MLB level right now. “Certainly in the conversation. Will remain in the conversation moving forward,” Boone said. “When he comes up here, you’re going to want to play him every day. He’ll continue to remain in that conversation.”
While Boone’s reasoning makes sense in theory, many fans and pundits argue that Verdugo’s underwhelming performance doesn’t justify keeping him in the lineup, especially when a talent like Dominguez is waiting in the wings. Although there’s a possibility Dominguez could be called up after the minor league season ends, it’s clear that the Yankees don’t currently see him as a starting option, much to the chagrin of their supporters.
The frustration among Yankees fans has been simmering for weeks, even with the team on track for a playoff appearance. A significant part of this discontent stems from a perception that the Yankees haven’t been as aggressive as they could be in building the best possible roster, particularly in a season where stars like Juan Soto and Aaron Judge are having standout years. The decision not to promote Dominguez has only added to the sense that the team is missing opportunities to maximize its potential.
As the season progresses, the pressure on the Yankees to make the right moves will only intensify. For now, though, the decision to keep Dominguez in Triple-A has left many wondering if the team is truly making the best choices to ensure success in October
