It’s been a tough first season in the Bronx for Alex Verdugo, as the outfielder has been having the worst statistical season of his eight-year MLB career. Despite his struggles, GM Brian Cashman expressed his confidence in Verdugo last week, saying he gives the Yankees the best chance to win as the starting LF over top prospect Jasson Dominguez.
It looked like Dominguez was going to remain in the minors after the team opted not to call him up on September 1, but instead, Cashman and the Yanks changed plans to bring up the 21-year-old on Monday after placing DJ LeMahieu on the 10-day IL.
Verdugo could have seen the move as a knock against him, but he didn’t let it bother him Monday night against the Kansas City Royals. He hit his first homer since Aug. 24, launching a two-run homer in the bottom of the fourth to give the Yanks a 3-2 lead. After the 10-4 win, Verdugo said he’s been pleased with his approach at the plate as of late and is letting things develop naturally.
“Just feeling better, staying within myself, staying a little bit more balanced,” Verdugo said. “Just having my at-bats again, not trying to force the outcome and go up there first pitch and get a knock. We’re actually working the count and seeing pitches.”
When asked his thoughts on Dominguez being called up, Verdugo said he will do whatever he can to help the team win more games, even if that means playing less.
“He’s gonna come up here, he’s gonna play, he’s gonna help this team win,” Verdugo said. “Whatever that means, that means. If I lose a little bit of playing time, I lose a little bit of playing time. At the end of the day, I want to win. Only thing that matters is getting to the playoffs and winning there.”
Verdugo said he and Aaron Boone haven’t discussed what the plan going forward will be when it comes to splitting playing time with Dominguez. The team has made it clear that Dominguez is “here to play just about every day,” SNY MLB Insider Andy Martino noted.
Dominguez went 1-for-4 in Monday night’s win, saying he was a little nervous at first, but settled in once the game got going. He added that Boone hasn’t discussed a plan with him either, so fans will have to wait and see how things play out down the stretch.
