A year ago, the Yankees were merely trying to avoid their first losing season since 1992. Jasson Domínguez, a 20-year-old switch-hitting center fielder, briefly energized their September by homering off Justin Verlander in his first at-bat. However, after just eight games, Domínguez tore his right ulnar collateral ligament, requiring Tommy John surgery, which sidelined him for the start of this season. In his absence, the Yankees traded for Alex Verdugo, who has remained their everyday left fielder despite his lack of production. As they compete closely with the Orioles in the AL East, the Yankees have missed a key opportunity to strengthen their lineup.
On Tuesday night in Arlington, the Yankees squandered a 4-0 lead in the eighth inning, ultimately losing 7-4 when closer Clay Holmes blew his league-leading 11th save, retiring just one of five batters and giving up a walk-off grand slam to Wyatt Langford. This defeat, the Yankees’ fifth in seven games, dropped them out of first place for the first time since August 20, putting them half a game behind the Orioles (81-59). While Holmes’ struggles are a separate issue, it reflects a similar trend seen in the Verdugo/Domínguez situation—the Yankees’ reluctance to make necessary changes during a critical playoff race. Manager Aaron Boone, known for his optimism and loyalty to players, has often resisted acknowledging problems, a pattern that has persisted throughout his seven-year tenure, even as the team faces real challenges.
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The Yankees’ Refusal to Open the Door for Jasson Domínguez Could Prove Costly
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