Yankees embrace 'dawg' culture in new way after Alex Verdugo two-run double vs. Mariners

If any of you were still harboring the thought that Jasson Dominguez's eventual return might mean the "end" of Alex Verdugo's time (or relevance) in the Bronx, the Yankees just made it fairly clear they enjoy embracing their current left fielder.

New York's offense started Monday's showdown with the pitching-rich Mariners in much the same way they've started all their games recently, with a vengeance and penchant for proving the doubters wrong.

Anthony Volpe was nicked on the hip by a Logan Gilbert rider to start things, but was quickly erased on a Juan Soto fielder's choice. No matter; Aaron Judge followed with a ringing double off the wall (and made it to second safely after taking it easy around first), and Alex Vergudo picked up both runs with a mash down the right field line.

As he arrived safely into second, the Yankees emphatically endorsed the dogged edge Verdugo has brought to this roster -- at the dish, in the field, and in the locker room. They greeted his smash with a barking dog sound effect. Perfect for Monday against the M's, less than ideal for Bark in the Park. Maybe try a doorbell next for maximum chaos?

Yankees play barking dog (or is it 'dawg'?) sound effect after Alex Verdugo's two-run double

The Yankees' streaking offense faces four consecutive challenges in this set with the M's, facing off with one of the league's best pitching quartets (besides their own). Gilbert (3.07 ERA entering this one) will be followed by Bryan Woo (0.93), Bryce Miller (3.08), and Luis Castillo (3.28, but he's the real name brand). Maybe Volpe will start the action against Castillo, too, further proving the Yankees made the right decision to keep him (and Dominguez) at the '22 trade deadline.

So far in May, the Yankees' offense has followed the blueprint to relentlessness, whether there's been a name brand or an also ran on the mound. Verdugo switching to the cleanup spot has been oddly integral to the entire lineup's transformation, even if his numbers haven't been quite as reflective of progress as Judge's and Soto's. The Yankees' worst offensive series since early April came in Baltimore ... while Verdugo spent time on the paternity list.

When he does deliver the big hit from hereon out, it's nice to know the Yankees will continue to show their appreciation by raising the "woof".