Return of The Martian: Yankees finally promote Jasson Domínguez

NEW YORK — It was only three days ago that Brian Cashman said a roster without Jasson Domínguez gave the Yankees“the best chance to win.”

“As of right now, we’re staying pat with what we’ve got,” the general manager said Friday with fans demanding that Domínguez replace Alex Verdugo in left field. “But we’re always in the position to change our minds at some point, too.”

That point came on Monday, as Domínguez joined the Yankees before their series opener against the Royals in the Bronx. In a series of corresponding moves, the team also activated Jon Berti off the injured list, optioned Duke Ellis to Triple-A, designated Anthony Misiewicz for assignment and placed DJ LeMahieu on the 10-day injured list (retroactive to Sept. 6) with a right hip impingement.

“This is a dream. Since I started playing, I wanted to play in the big leagues,” said Domínguez, who hit four homers over eight games after debuting for the Yankees last September. “Every time you get that call, it’s something special.”

The decision to promote Domínguez comes after weeks of avoiding such a move despite increasing outside pressure. When asked what changed in the Yankees’ calculus, Aaron Boone didn’t offer much of an explanation, other than to say that “the roster is a living, breathing organism” that is always “evolving” and that the team’s top prospect has been playing well of late.

“Like I said on Sept. 1 when we didn’t initially recall Jasson, he’s in the conversation every single day,” Boone added. “I think as much as anything, it’s just continuing to build the momentum he’s built here over the last few weeks where we feel like, especially the last couple of weeks, really starting to be in the peak of the season and playing at a really high level. So he’s been knocking on that door since he came back, and now seemed like the time to bring him.”

Boone is right about Domínguez playing well of late. The 21-year-old was hitting .347/.398/.560 with two doubles, one triple, four home runs and 11 RBI in 18 games since a one-day promotion as the Yankees’ 27 th man for the Little League Classic on Aug. 18.

Before that, Domínguez found himself recovering from multiple injuries. His sensational introduction to the majors was cut short by UCL surgery last September, and he suffered an oblique injury shortly after coming back from surgery this summer.

The Martian has only played in 58 minor league games this season — he slashed .314/.376/.504 with 11 homers and 35 RBI — but that hasn’t stopped Yankees fans from clamoring for him.

“A lot of up and downs, obviously, with the injuries,” Domínguez said. “But the other part, I can’t control that. The only thing I focus on is staying healthy and playing. The other part, what people saying, if you’re gonna call me up or not, I can’t control that.”

That said, Domínguez did notice Yankees fans asking for him on social media. He said it felt good to have their support.

Domínguez also said that he feels good offensively and that his arm is “better than ever” following surgery. He also feels “pretty normal” in left field, a position he’ll play in the coming days and weeks.

“I think he’ll be able to hold his own out there,” Boone said, though he had Domínguez playing his natural position, center, and batting sixth on Monday.

With Giancarlo Stanton off and Aaron Judge DH’ing, Verdugo also found himself in the lineup and playing left. The impending free agent entered Monday’s game hitting .320 over his last 14 games. Prior to that, Verdugo had a .579 OPS in 89 games dating back to May 8, hence the frequent calls for his job.

“We’re in the playoff push, and we’ll kind of mix and match it as best I can,” Boone said when asked how Domínguez will impact things.

However, Boone made it clear that phenom is going to be a regular presence in the lineup.

“I’ve been a huge fan ever since I met him. Just love his makeup, his talent. He’s earned this opportunity now,” the skipper said. “Jasson’s gonna play a lot.”

Boone also answered in the affirmative when asked if he’d need to talk to Verdugo and Trent Grisham, another outfielder who could lose playing time to Domínguez.

“Yeah, I’ll talk to whoever I need to talk to,” Boone said.

The Yankees have stood by Verdugo for weeks and expressed genuine belief in the player, a confidence that has been rewarded lately. But Boone noted that the Yankees got better on Monday with Domínguez and Berti back in the fold.

Asked what qualities Domínguez is bringing to the table, Boone noted the youngster’s poise first and foremost.

“He enjoys the bright lights,” Boone said. “He walks in here with an easiness to him. He’s not cocky or anything like that, but there’s just a quiet confidence to the way he goes about his business. There’s the ease to which he moves through the day. He’s got that easy smile. He’s easy to talk to and be around. But then he has explosive athletic tools too. Power to all fields. Can throw, can really run. He’s athletically very gifted too. But don’t think he’s overwhelmed wherever he is.”

Domínguez, back after a bit of a wait, agreed with that assessment.

“I like to compete,” he said. “I like the challenges, and obviously, this is the best. This is the last level. This is the best challenge that we have, and I like it.”

____