Jasson Dominguez’s window to prove he can be a reliable piece for the New York Yankees is not closed, but it is beginning to tighten. Once one of the most hyped prospects in baseball, Dominguez is now in his fourth MLB season and has yet to meet expectations at the big-league level.
His 2026 campaign even began in Triple-A after he failed to make the Opening Day roster. On Monday, however, the Yankees brought him back to the majors, optioning 2024 American League Rookie of the Year Luis Gil in a corresponding move.
Dominguez earned the promotion after a strong showing at Triple A, hitting .326 with a .415 on-base percentage and .893 OPS across 24 games.
© John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Dominguez drew his third start of the season on Wednesday in the Yankees series finale on the road against the Texas Rangers. Unfortunately, in the top of the fourth inning, he was drilled on the left elbow by a pitch from right-hander Nathan Eovaldi.
Dominguez was checked by trainers and was clearly in discomfort, though he initially stayed in the game and ran to first base. That changed quickly. When the bottom half of the inning began, he had been removed, with Max Schuemann entering to take over in left field.
Moments later, the Yankees announced an update on his status. Dominguez suffered a “left elbow contusion,” and X‑rays were taken, with further imaging set to take place in New York (h/t Bryan Hoch of MLB.com).
It is another frustrating setback for Dominguez in a career that once carried massive expectations. If he is forced to move to the 10-day injured list, it may be difficult for him to regain a roster spot, especially with Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon, Anthony Volpe and Giancarlo Stanton all expected to return from injuries in the coming weeks.
Still, the severity of the elbow issue remains unclear, and the Yankees will continue to monitor him. For Dominguez, every opportunity matters, and the hope is that this latest setback does not derail his chance to finally establish himself in the Bronx.
