New York Yankees center fielder Jasson Dominguez. Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

Jasson Dominguez does not have role with 2024 Yankees

By David Hill | Last updated 5/15/24

Outfielder Jasson Dominguez is expected to be a key part of the New York Yankees' future.

A potential five-tool player, Dominguez is considered to be the Yankees' top prospect. MLB.com ranks Dominguez as the 32nd best prospect in baseball, viewing him as a powerful slugger who will help anchor the Yankees lineup for years to come. He showed his potential during an eight game stint in the majors in 2023, belting four homers and stealing a base in just 33 plate appearances. However, Dominguez suffered a torn ulnar collateral ligament, necessitating Tommy John surgery.

Dominguez began his rehab assignment on Tuesday, suiting up for the Tampa Tarpons. The plan is to have Dominguez serve as a designated hitter for the first two weeks, slowly building him back up to play in the outfield, and is expected to return to the Yankees sometime in June or July. He began his rehab assignment with a base hit on the first pitch he saw, something the Yankees hope is a sign of things to come.

Jasson Domínguez is back!

The top-ranked @Yankees prospect (MLB No. 32) swats the first pitch he sees this season for a base hit for the Single-A @TampaTarpons. pic.twitter.com/LnfXHF4bK2
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) May 14, 2024

His impending return is also a problem. The Yankees outfield is set with Juan Soto, Aaron Judge and Alex Verdugo. Trent Grisham is the fourth outfielder, capable of playing all three positions with excellent defense. Jahmai Jones has seen action at second, third and both corner outfield positions. The Yankees are not going to bring Dominguez back to the majors as a bench piece.

The Yankees have an out when it comes to finding a place for Dominguez this year. He still has minor league options remaining, allowing the Yankees to keep Dominguez in Triple-A. As he had just 37 plate appearances at the highest level of the minors, a return to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre makes sense for his development.

Dominguez is still just 21 years old. He has plenty of time to make an impact on the New York Yankees going forward. That time is not going to come this year barring injury.

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