Yankees trying to delay the inevitable with Jasson Dominguez is irresponsible

Before we get too deep into it, let's acknowledge that just about every New York Yankees fan knew Jasson Dominguez would need more than your average rehab assignment before making his way back to the MLB roster. The young star underwent Tommy John surgery last year and missed all of spring training. He didn't have the proper buildup for 2024.

That said ... this is "The Martian" we're talking about. He isn't normal. And no amount of "success" in the minor leagues is going to make the Yankees feel comfortable elevating him at the "appropriate" time.

After all, Dominguez got the call last September as the Yankees fell out of contention and needed a semblance of life despite the slugger only posting a .254/.367/.497 line across 109 Double-A games before he kicked it into overdrive for nine games with Scranton.

The 21-year-old simply rises to the occasion when the lights brighten, and what he's done in his first 10 games since undergoing major surgery is incredible. He's hitting .308 with an .874 OPS, six runs scored, two homers and six RBI between Single-A and Double-A.

Should he be promoted now? Absolutely not. He still needs a stint at Triple-A. But Yankees insider Bryan Hoch says it could be "several more weeks" until Dominguez makes his 2024 debut with the Bombers. That just seems unnecessary.

Yankees trying to delay the inevitable with Jasson Dominguez is irresponsible

What will another month or so in the minor leagues do for Dominguez, especially when the early returns suggest he doesn't need what equates a "full spring training" to get back on track with the proper reps?

Dominguez is operating as if nothing ever happened. The fact he's already back to playing defense despite there being a belief he'd be delayed with a majority of DH reps is perhaps another sign that there isn't necessarily a "need" for him to remain in the minors beyond mid-June.

The Yankees are going to do what they're going to do, but reading the current situation might be more helpful than standing pat on a plan that was designed to protect Dominguez from struggling.

He's not struggling right now, and lesser competition won't help him adapt to MLB pitchers, anyway. There's also no better lineup for him to get re-acclimated to action with than the group the Yankees are running out there on a nightly basis.

If Dominguez hits a wall on his arrival to Triple-A and some real concerns arise, then yes, extend his Scranton stay and let him work things out. But if he logs a scorching hot week? There's not much else to analyze. He'll be ready by that point.