By Amanda Paula
Sunday September 1, 2024
- September 1, 2024
- 9:13 pm
- One Comment
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Follow UsOn Sunday, the Yankees’ 14-7 loss to the Cardinals only deepened the scrutiny surrounding their recent roster moves, particularly the decision to favor Alex Verdugo over Jasson Dominguez.
As the Yankees grapple with a disappointing season, fans and media alike have sharply criticized Manager Aaron Boone’s choices regarding these two players.
Yankees’ roster decisions under fire after latest loss
The Yankees opted to promote Duke Ellis from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre instead of calling up top prospect Dominguez as rosters expanded to 28 players. Ellis, a 26-year-old outfielder acquired off waivers from the Mariners, was chosen over Dominguez, who remains in the minors while recovering from Tommy John surgery and an oblique strain. This decision has fueled widespread discontent among Yankees fans and analysts.
Jasson Dominguez’s continued absence is particularly glaring given his recent performance. Despite struggling in a brief stint with the Yankees on August 18, where he went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts, Dominguez has been impressive in Triple-A. Over his last 16 games, he has hit .359 with a .958 OPS against right-handed pitchers. His exclusion from the major league roster is seen by many as a missed opportunity, especially as the team battles a frustrating season with a 39-39 record since June 1.
Yankees fans and media question Boone’s choices
The criticism of Boone’s decisions intensified after Bryan Hoch of MLB.com argued that the Yankees are not fielding their best team by leaving Dominguez in the minors. Fox Sports’ Deesha Thosar also weighed in, labeling Boone’s decision as a case of overthinking, given Dominguez’s potential to contribute positively. Thosar highlighted that Dominguez’s solid performance in Triple-A contrasts sharply with Verdugo’s struggles.
The Yankees talk a lot about having a “championship caliber roster.” Each day that goes by with Jasson Domínguez in the minors, they don’t have their best 28 players in the big leagues.
— Bryan Hoch ⚾️ (@BryanHoch) September 1, 2024
Yankees promote a pinch runner type rather than the Martian, who is untouchable in trade talks and a bona fide power threat. Hard to understand this one.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) September 1, 2024
Alex Verdugo, who had a couple of singles in Sunday’s game, has been underwhelming since June 15, with a dismal .539 OPS over that span. Boone defended Verdugo, praising his recent defensive contributions and suggesting that better at-bats might be forthcoming. However, this defense has not alleviated fan frustrations.
There are a few metrics that suggest Alex Verdugo has been unlucky, as Aaron Boone has said a few times. But he has a .599 OPS over 96 G since May 8. That's a large sample. He's been a league average hitter for his career. #Yankees https://t.co/kNuDiRlBek
— Gary Phillips (@GaryHPhillips) September 1, 2024
Social media has been abuzz with criticism. Some commentators expressed disbelief over why Dominguez, with his high potential, was not promoted over Ellis, who has limited major league experience. Critics pointed out that Verdugo’s performance has been poor overall, raising questions about the team’s decision-making process.
Dominguez missed pretty much the entire year, has struggle in AAA, came up already and looked completely overmatched and will not keep his rookie status if he plays everyday til playoffs. Everyone relax, he’s not the messiah. Hes a kid and he needs more time (cont)
— Yankees pain train conductor (@dooberwoober01) September 1, 2024
The Yankees have an opening on the field for Jasson. I’m not sure why people keep saying they don’t. There is a below average player getting everyday at bats in the outfield. If that player was playing well, this wouldn’t be a discussion. We’re having it because he’s not good.
— Randy Wilkins (@pamsson) September 1, 2024
— Nestor’s Apple 🍎 (@appleofnestor) September 1, 2024Alex Verdugo since 7/1
210 PA
.214 BA
.278 OBP
.305 SLG
.259 wOBA
65 wRC+He is a free agent after this season. This is the player the Yankees are insisting on playing over a 5-tool, switch hitting top prospect with a *significantly* higher ceiling.
Indefensible, I’m sorry.
— Yankees Focus (@YankeesFocus) September 1, 2024The Yankees decided that Alex Verdugo is a better option than Jasson Dominguez in left field.
That tells me all I need to know about how dumb this organization is.
Not calling up Jasson Dominguez for Alex Verdugo is 1 million times worse than when the Yankees wouldn’t play Peraza for IKF in 2022 and I really didn’t think anything could anger me more than that https://t.co/CW8xm92Ehh
— Addison (@YankeeWRLD) September 1, 2024
The Yankees’ general manager, Brian Cashman, had previously stated that there was “currently no lane” for Dominguez, but the ongoing debates and poor team performance suggest that fans and analysts are losing patience. With Ellis’s limited impact and Verdugo’s inconsistent play, the Yankees’ choices regarding these players remain a focal point of criticism as the team struggles to find its footing.
What do you think? Leave your comment below.
- Categories: New York Yankees
- Tags: New York Yankees
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Amanda Paula
Amanda Paula is a sports writer with a passion for American football and a keen interest in the NY Yankees. Raised among Americans in Brazil, Mandy's unique cultural background has greatly influenced her career and provided her with a diverse perspective on the world of sports. Born and raised in Brazil, Amanda developed a deep appreciation for sports at a young age. Growing up in a community with a robust American presence, she was exposed to various sports, but baseball captivated her heart. Inspired by the passion and tactics of the game, Amanda dedicated herself to studying and understanding the intricacies of the sport. Amanda's love for American sports and soccer led her to pursue a career in sports journalism. She obtained a degree in journalism from a prestigious university, where she honed her skills in writing and reporting. Her studies gave her a solid foundation in journalism ethics, research methodologies, and effective storytelling techniques. After completing her education, Amanda embarked on her professional journey as a sports writer. Her unique background as a Brazilian immersed in American culture gave her a fresh perspective on American sports.
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afq1968
3 hours ago
This article is total garbage. To think that Boone has any say on bringing Dominguez up, is absolutely crazy thinking. Cashman set it up to make sure Dominguez didn’t get the call.
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