Here's your friendly mid-week reminder that New York Yankees outfielder Jasson Dominguez isn't your typical power-only physical freak. Like the hulking Spencer Jones, he also has a sprinting side.
Yes, we know Alex Verdugo's been hitting a bit better and more carefree lately since he figured out he was allergic to his own batting gloves. Yes, we know the Yankees' "lanes" have been clogged up all summer long, according to management. And, yes, we know Dominguez's one-game stint in the Little League Classic didn't go so well, forcing fans to kick turf and Michael Fishman to "I Told Ya So" all over the place.
But, come September 1, when rosters expand, the Yankees will need to import one of their many rehabbing relievers and promote Dominguez. Immediately. It's not just a solution. It's the only solution.
In case you've forgotten about Dominguez's palate of tools, he laced a 110+ MPH liner late in Tuesday night's Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders game, then sped into third base in just 11.75 total seconds as his missile split the outfielders. He's got a hose, too. He's a true center fielder. He needs to return to his home planet in the Bronx.
Yankees über prospect Jasson Dominguez showed off wheels with Triple-A triple
Say what you will about Anthony Volpe's development path, but there should be no debate over the fact that he can absolutely fly, which allows him to provide value even when his bat has been reduced to a singles provider. Dominguez, it seems, can bring the natural thunder that Volpe sacrificed this offseason by altering his swing path, while also possessing the natural ability to traverse the bases as swiftly as anyone in the system.
Next season, no matter what happens with Juan Soto, the path is clear for Dominguez to contribute at the MLB level (and likely move Aaron Judge back to a corner). But now is no time to joyfully look forward to next season. The Yankees have a division to win and an October to navigate. Alex Verdugo, famously prone to fits of moodiness in Boston, is simply going to have to get over this one.