BRONX, NY — First batter of the Rangers-Yankees series finale Thursday afternoon at Yankee Stadium and Brandon Nimmo hit a ball deep to left. Jasson Domínguez went deep and made the catch as his back collided with the auxiliary scoreboard.
The 23-year-old from Esperanza, Dominican Republic went down on the warning track. Yankees manager Aaron Boone and team trainers rushed to the outfield as Domínguez was eventually carted off the field.
A scary moment that hushed the stadium crowd of 42,729 and others. Baseball can be a contact sport when going after a ball, though Domínguez, in concussion protocol, sustained a low-grade sprain of his left AC joint.
Jasson Domínguez had a scary injury in the Rangers-Yankees series finale Thursday afternoon at Yankee Stadium – Image Credit: MLB
The result is a trip to the injured list and some more additional time before he returns to the Yankees lineup. What matters more is the well-being of the young outfielder who was recently called up from Triple-A Scranton Wilkes-Barre after winning the American League LatinoMVP Rookie of the Year Award for the 2025 season. The Yankees are also down with Giancarlo Stanton who is more in the DH spot than an outfielder’s role.
After Thursday’s Yankee 9-2 victory, taking two-of-three, the concern was etched with teammates, coaches and the manager. The IL for Domínguez was implemented moments after the last pitch and rookie prospect Spencer Jones got the call, the six-foot-seven left-handed slugger who will patrol the outfield with Aaron Judge.
Judge and Jones, two that could be twin towers in the outfield and add to the Yankees league leading home run power. Jones, with a tendency of too many swings and misses, will get a look in the show, striking out 46 times in 120 at bats with Scranton this season that delayed his MLB arrival. Another reason is because of an excess of outfielders in the Bronx.
Regardless, the concern is for Dominguez who never seems to get a break. He showed improvement in left while beginning to resemble the player with good instincts at the plate since his call-up from Scranton on April 27th.
Just when it seemed that Jasson Domínguez got going, the 23-year-old switch hitter was placed on the Injured List due to concussion protocol and a mild sprain in his left AC joint – Image Credit: Bill Menzel/Latino Sports
Known as “The Martian” around town, Domínguez, slugging for power, is also that everyday teammate that is well liked for his tenacity and patience—a Yankees prospect that needs to be in the daily lineup for any number of reasons. He was getting another opportunity and his absence will be felt. For now, though, Jones will join his team in Milwaukee Friday night for the start of a three-game series.
“That’s one of the unfortunate parts of the game,” Boone said about the play and injury to Domínguez. “It was an amazing catch. He obviously hit the wall pretty hard. Hopefully we’re in a good space, just head-wise.”
Boone said he hopes Domínguez being out won’t be down too long. Concussion protocol is one part of this that could take time. His absence though was immediately felt in the clubhouse. Used mostly as a DH, Domínguez made his second start in left field Thursday.
The Yankees had glowing remarks for Jasson Domínguez after his scary injury early on in their 9-2 win Thursday afternoon over the Rangers – Image Credit: Bill Menzel/Latino Sports
Boone later said, “Gosh he’s such a good kid. He’s very consistent in who he is. They love him in there (clubhouse). Another layer is just really being a good guy and a good teammate. He kind of embodies that.”
“He hit the wall pretty hard,” said Cody Bellinger. “I’m hoping for the best for him.
“You’re worried about your teammate at that moment,” added Ryan McMahon.
The Yankees offense will survive this latest and unfortunate injury to a teammate as one thing is certain—they have the depth. Jones will get an opportunity for now, however there was some talk about recalling Oswaldo Cabrera who is hitting the ball hard at Scranton and can also play the outfield.
“The depth is what makes us a really good team,” said Bellinger, who continues to swing a hot bat (2-for-4 with 3 RBI on Thursday). “We’ve got a lot of players that can do a lot of different things on a baseball field. Today was just a great example of that.”
Cody Bellinger’s bat stayed hot Thursday afternoon, going 2-4 with three RBI on Thursday – Image Credit: Bill Menzel/Latino Sports
A win and a loss for the Yankees. They continued to hit and score runs and concluded a 6-1 homestand. Seventeen wins in their last 21 games (26-12), tied with the Braves and Cubs with the best record in the Majors. They scored 26 two-out runs in seven games against the Orioles and Rangers thanks to the bottom of their lineup executing with timely hits.
McMahon reached base for a season-high four times Thursday while Trent Grisham, in a six-run sixth, batting 7th, hit a bases clearing double to the gap in left-center.
Said Texas starter MacKenzie Gore (2-3) about the Yankees making contact: “They walk, and take a big swing and that’s how they score.”
Aaron Judge and the Yankees are proving day in and day out why they are the best team in the American League this season so far – Image Credit: Bill Menzel/Latino Sports
The Rangers came to the Bronx with the second best bullpen ERA and their relievers proceeded to combine to allow four runs earned over 2.2 innings—three of their inherited runs to score.
The opener on the mound for the Yankees and their bullpen combined of six pitches allowed two runs over 8.0 innings and three runs over their last 26.1 innings. Overall, Yankees pitchers have posted a Major League best 3.04 ERA this season.
They win in many ways. It’s good baseball, no denying the team is standing tall this portion of the season. They left town with Domínguez a concern and with hopes of a brief recovery.
And in steps Spencer Jones who will be a story with Judge in the outfield.
Rich Mancuso is a senior writer and columnist at LatinoSports.com with coverage of MLB, boxing, and MLS – X: @Ring786, Facebook.com/Rich Mancuso
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