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As the New York Yankees expanded their rosters to 28 players for their series finale against the Cardinals, the expected call-up of top prospect Jasson Dominguez did not materialize.
Instead, the Yankees promoted outfielder Duke Ellis from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, leaving Dominguez in the minors for now.
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Ellis, a 26-year-old speedster recently claimed off waivers from the Mariners, was brought up to add depth to the Yankees’ outfield.
This decision surprised many fans who anticipated Dominguez’s arrival, especially given his recent strong performance in Triple-A.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone explained the decision, noting that while Dominguez was “certainly in the conversation” for a call-up, the team prioritized giving him more playing time in the minors.
“When he comes up here, we’re gonna want to play him every day,” Boone said. “We feel like the past couple weeks, he’s starting to play well, coming back from the oblique injury.
“It was a tough call right now, but that doesn’t mean that doesn’t change in a couple days or two weeks.”
Dominguez has been working his way back after Tommy John surgery and an oblique strain that sidelined him for over a month. His recent form in Triple-A has been strong, going 23-for-60 with six extra-base hits in his last 15 games.
However, his brief appearance with the Yankees on August 18, where he struggled both at the plate and defensively, may have influenced the team’s decision to keep him in Triple-A.
Yankees continuing with Alex Verdugo
While Dominguez remains a future option, the Yankees are continuing with Alex Verdugo in left field, despite his extended slump. Verdugo has shown some signs of improvement recently, but his overall performance remains inconsistent.
Duke Ellis, who played in eight major league games this season with the White Sox primarily as a pinch runner, brings speed and defensive versatility to the Yankees’ roster. Boone highlighted Ellis’s value as a pinch runner and his defensive capabilities in the outfield.
In addition to Ellis, the Yankees also recalled right-hander Scott Effross, returning from Tommy John surgery, and Ron Marinaccio. To make room on the roster, the Yankees optioned first baseman Ben Rice and right-hander Will Warren to Triple-A, and designated lefty Josh Maciejewski for assignment.