As the major league baseball season progresses, the New York Yankees find themselves in a competitive position, boasting a 69-49 record. With the second-best record in the American League, they are hot on the heels of the Baltimore Orioles, trailing by just one game in the AL East. Anchoring the team's efforts are standout players Aaron Judge and Juan Soto, who continue to provide stability in the Yankees' outfield.
One of the intriguing stories this season has been the performance of left fielder Alex Verdugo. With an overall batting line of .239/.299/.374 and 10 home runs, Verdugo’s season has been a tale of ups and downs. Since May 1, his numbers dipped to .230/.279/.352, but a notable resurgence since July 26 has seen him hit .315/.381/.426. Despite these fluctuations, Yankees’ General Manager Brian Cashman is confident in Verdugo’s role on the team. "Brian Cashman stated that the Yankees have no plans to replace Verdugo," emphasizing the organization’s faith in his abilities.
Brian Cashman further elaborated on Verdugo's situation: "He's healthy. Ultimately the injuries this year prevented him from getting much of a bulk of performance. He's definitely sitting there waiting in the wings if need be." It’s evident that the Yankees value Verdugo’s potential contributions as the season progresses.
The storyline extends beyond current players to top prospect Jasson Domínguez, who has faced his own challenges. Missing the start of the season due to Tommy John surgery, Domínguez strained his oblique upon his return. Despite these setbacks, his comeback on July 26 marked a turning point. Last September, Domínguez impressed with four home runs in just eight games before his injury. However, his current stats since the latest return—.163/.234/.209 with 15 strikeouts in 11 games—suggest that he is still adjusting.
According to Baseball America, Jasson Domínguez ranks as the No. 7 prospect in their midseason top 100 prospects update. His potential remains high, even as he currently plays in Triple-A. "There's currently no lane for us to bring him. It's nice to know he's there. He's just knocking rust off and waiting for his opportunity if it comes," Cashman noted, highlighting the team's patience with their promising prospect.
As the Yankees manage their roster, they also look forward to the return of Jon Berti and Anthony Rizzo, both of whom are nearing full fitness. With September’s roster expansion rules permitting only one extra pitcher and one extra position player, the Yankees will need to make strategic decisions to optimize their lineup. Fortunately, Giancarlo Stanton remains healthy and is occupying the designated hitter spot, providing the Yankees with a reliable and powerful presence in the batting order.
Another bright spot has been Trent Grisham. Since June 1, Grisham has been hitting .239/.333/.469 with six home runs in 133 plate appearances, making him a valuable contributor to the Yankees' offensive efforts. His performance underscores the depth and versatility of this year’s roster.
The road ahead for the New York Yankees is challenging but filled with promise. With a roster teeming with both proven talent and rising stars, the team’s management remains optimistic. "are not going anywhere," Cashman asserted, encapsulating the Yankees' determined mindset. As the season heads into its final stretch, all eyes will be on how the Yankees leverage their strengths and navigate their obstacles to push for a coveted postseason spot.