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New York Yankees Provide Updates on Injured Stars, Including Major Update on Young Stud Prospect

Originally posted on Fastball on SI | By Brady Farkas | Last updated Dec 5, 2023 4:00 PM ET

Speaking at the Winter Meetings in Nashville this week, New York Yankees' brass provided updates on injured standouts Nestor Cortes, Anthony Rizzo and Jasson Dominguez.

First, with regards to Dominguez, from Bryan Hoch of MLB.com:

Aaron Boone stopped short of saying Jasson Dominguez will immediately become the #Yankees' centerfielder when healthy, but said he is "going to be an awesome player in this league."

"I love the makeup. I love the talent, and I'm excited about his future as a center fielder [or] as a left fielder potentially down the road in our yard, depending on what our roster makeup is."

Aaron Boone stopped short of saying Jasson Dominguez will immediately become the #Yankees' centerfielder when healthy, but said he is "going to be an awesome player in this league."

"I love the makeup. I love the talent, and I'm excited about his future as a center fielder [or]…
— Bryan Hoch ⚾️ (@BryanHoch) December 5, 2023

Dominguez won't be back from Tommy John surgery until at least mid-summer but those are revealing comments. The youngster immediately impressed in 2023 upon being called up, hitting four home runs in just 31 at-bats.

The fact that he isn't guaranteed a job right away leads us to believe that the Yankees are planning to strike big in the position player market, perhaps for free agent Cody Bellinger or trade piece Juan Soto.

With regards to Rizzo, from Brendan Kuty of 'The Athletic.'

Aaron Boone said Anthony Rizzo is doing well, should be fine for spring training. Was probably "game ready" at the end of the regular season. #Yankees

Aaron Boone said Anthony Rizzo is doing well, should be fine for spring training. Was probably "game ready" at the end of the regular season. #Yankees
— Brendan Kuty ‍♂️ (@BrendanKutyNJ) December 5, 2023

The veteran and former All-Star played just 99 games last season after battling concussion-related issues. He hit .244 with 12 homers and 41 RBI, while posting a .328 on-base percentage.

And finally, on Cortes, also from Kuty:

Boone said that Nestor Cortes' offseason throwing program has just begun, and that he's doing well. #Yankees

Boone said that Nestor Cortes' offseason throwing program has just begun, and that he's doing well. #Yankees
— Brendan Kuty ‍♂️ (@BrendanKutyNJ) December 5, 2023

Cortes went 5-2 last season with a 4.97 ERA and only made one appearance after May 30th because of shoulder issues.

He figures to slot in with Gerrit Cole, Michael King and Carlos Rodon in the Yankees rotation.

This article first appeared on Fastball on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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