Importance Score: 35 / 100 🔵
Yankees’ Jasson Domínguez Demonstrates Defensive Growth in Left Field
Concerns regarding Jasson Domínguez’s defensive capabilities in left field have been prevalent early in his career, with observers noting suboptimal jumps and awkward routes that cast doubt on his long-term suitability at the position. However, the Yankees have maintained their confidence in him, and in Monday’s 4-1 victory against the Royals in The Bronx, Domínguez exhibited marked improvement, most notably in tracking down Salvador Perez’s sharply hit line drive to deep left field off Carlos Carrasco in the fourth inning. This key defensive play occurred with the Yankees trailing by a run.
Improved Defensive Plays Highlight Domínguez’s Progress
Later in the game, Domínguez further showcased his defensive strides by making a commendable play on Jonathan India’s drive towards the warning track to lead off the sixth inning.
Manager Aaron Boone acknowledged Domínguez’s advancements, stating, “He keeps getting better. Those were two really good ones. What I like is the ease of the routes. That’s where, since the start of the season, he’s grown. He’s using the right footwork and moves to the ball.”
Domínguez commented that he is still adjusting to playing left field after primarily playing center field, a position he feels offers more expansive running room.
Bellinger’s Limited Appearances Due to Schedule Management
Despite Domínguez’s improved defensive performance, Boone opted to replace him with Cody Bellinger, who pinch-hit for Domínguez in the bottom of the eighth inning and remained in left field to conclude the game.
Bellinger, a significant offseason acquisition from the Cubs in December, was absent from the starting lineup for the fourth time in the initial 16 games of the season.
While Bellinger had previously experienced back tightness and a bout of food poisoning earlier in the season, Boone clarified that Monday’s absence was primarily due to managing his workload during a stretch of 13 consecutive games without a scheduled day off.
“I’m trying to manage him through this 13 days in a row,” Boone explained. “And it’s April, he had a back thing and is still getting treatment there.”
Boone further noted that Bellinger is “doing well” and that he is strategically selecting opportune moments for Bellinger to rest.
Boone indicated that Bellinger might receive further rest during an upcoming series in Cleveland, as the team aims to provide more playing time for Trent Grisham.
“It’s important that [Grisham] continues to play,” Boone remarked regarding the center fielder, who contributed with a home run on Monday.
These lineup decisions are part of a slow offensive start for Bellinger, who has recorded only two extra-base hits and a high number of strikeouts – 15 in 53 plate appearances.
Luke Weaver’s Velocity Trends and Bullpen Success
Luke Weaver has delivered commendable performances in his six bullpen appearances, including a scoreless inning on Monday. However, his pitching velocity has decreased compared to the previous year. Statcast data reveals his four-seam fastball velocity has dropped from an average of 95.7 mph to 92.9 mph, and his cutter has decreased from 91.3 mph to 87.7 mph.
Despite this trend, Weaver’s velocity improved slightly against the Royals. Boone had expressed pre-game optimism that Weaver’s velocity would increase as he progressed into the season.
Weaver contributed to a strong bullpen effort that held Kansas City scoreless for four innings on Monday and has not conceded an earned run in their last 11 ¹/₃ innings.
Will Warren Secures First MLB Win
A notable positive development within the starting rotation has been Will Warren, who earned his first Major League Baseball win in his most recent outing.
While the significance of wins for pitchers has diminished in contemporary baseball analysis, the 25-year-old Warren still values the achievement.
Warren’s Perspective on His Milestone Win
“It’s a big deal to get it,” Warren stated. “It means you went long enough and pitched well enough to keep your team in the game. The guys in here that have a lot of them are really good.”
Stroman and Gil Injury Updates
Marcus Stroman, who has been experiencing difficulties on the mound, received a cortisone injection in his problematic left knee on Sunday. His return to throwing will depend on his response to the treatment.
Regarding Luis Gil, who is currently sidelined with a lat strain and expected to be out until at least June, he could potentially commence a throwing program on Wednesday or Thursday, pending medical clearance.
With Gil, Gerrit Cole, and Clarke Schmidt all unavailable, Boone acknowledged that the starting rotation has issued an excessive number of walks overall, “especially lower in the order.”