PORT ST. LUCIE — The Jasson Domínguez left subject experiment has had decidedly blended outcomes, which is among the many causes he’s possible headed to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to begin the season.
However there was some development, as he displayed Sunday in a 10-4 loss to the Mets at Clover Park.
For a second straight sport, Domínguez made a pleasant working catch, this time on a sinking liner by A.J. Ewing within the backside of the fifth, and Domínguez adopted it up with a robust throw residence, the place he threw out Vidal Bruján.
“It was a busy afternoon on the market,” mentioned Domínguez, who additionally had a ball hit by Tyrone Taylor get by him within the hole, however neither he nor Aaron Boone thought he may have gotten to it. “It was good to throw the man out at residence.”
It got here after Boone mentioned Domínguez, who has struggled for probably the most half since shifting from heart to left, made some poor choices along with his throws final week.
“He’s made wonderful throws the final two days,” the supervisor mentioned of the performs he made Sunday towards the Mets and Saturday versus Miami. “He’s taking part in lots. He’s labored lots. Among the finest elements about this journey [to the east coast of Florida, with most regulars staying back or in the World Baseball Classic] is that we noticed his athleticism.”
When he was coming via the Yankees system, Domínguez was mentioned to have an elite arm, however that has not been on show a lot.
“I’ve all the time had a fairly good arm, it simply hasn’t proven as a lot,’’ Domínguez mentioned. “My arm wasn’t the issue. Possibly I’m extra aggressive now attending to the ball and am in higher place to make throws. In comparison with final yr, I’m much more comfy [in left].”
Boone mentioned the group hasn’t “even actually begun discussions” on the ultimate roster spots.
“We’ll proceed to let that play out and let guys get their reps,” the supervisor mentioned Sunday.
They’ve acquired choices to make relating to the final arms within the bullpen, in addition to deciding between maybe a backup shortstop or third catcher.
Ben Rice hasn’t caught in a sport, however Boone famous that he caught Carlos Rodón’s bullpen session Saturday.
With Anthony Volpe sidelined and José Caballero anticipated to begin at shortstop, Boone mentioned the backup shortstop state of affairs is “up within the air.”
Boone didn’t rule out Ryan McMahon taking part in there sooner or later or going with a “super-utility” participant for the ultimate roster spot.
And with Randal Grichuk anticipated to make his Grapefruit League debut Monday in Tampa, the Yankees will get a greater learn on what the veteran outfielder can probably contribute after signing with the group on a minor league deal.
“That’s what the following two-plus weeks shall be about,” Boone mentioned of the decision-making course of.
One standout throughout a reside batting observe at Steinbrenner Discipline: Ocean Gabonia.
The righty reliever from Hawaii accomplished two “ups,” allowed no exhausting contact and struck out Giancarlo Stanton and Cody Bellinger consecutively.
The 24-year-old, who pitched to a 3.27 ERA in 31 video games with Excessive-A Hudson Valley final yr, acquired fist bumps from Stanton and Bellinger strolling off the sector.
Cade Winquest gave up a run on a stroll and a success as he tries to make the group as a Rule 5 choose.
“There’s positively some stress,” mentioned the right-hander, who shall be despatched again to the Cardinals if he doesn’t make the Opening Day roster and keep there the whole season. “They drafted me for a purpose and I can simply do what I do.”
He allowed a run on a stroll and a success in two-thirds of an inning Sunday.
— Extra reporting by Mark W. Sanchez in Tampa
