Aaron Boone, Alex Verdugo, Jasson Dominguez

The New York Yankees have encountered a revolving door at left-field for the whole season now. After Alex Verdugo proved to be a bust, the Yanks turned to top prospect Jasson Dominguez a little late in September. However, Jasson took his time to adjust, leaving Yanks in a fix ahead of ALDS.

With Game 1 of the American League Division Series against the Kansas City Royals on the horizon, the New York Yankees took a bold call to resolve the left-field issue. While many analysts and fans deem Aaron Boone’s decision a mistake, only time will tell if the chosen one lives up to the playoff pressure at Yankee Stadium.

Yankees Bank On Alex Verdugo For Game 1 Of ALDS

(AP Photo/Nick Wass)
The New York Yankees may have secured the AL’s No. 1 seed with a 94-68 record, but they enter the postseason with significant concerns, particularly in left field. Their left fielders ranked 24th in MLB with an 86 wRC+ and 21st with 0.9 fWAR, a clear weakness. In making his decision for Game 1 of the ALDS against the Kansas City Royals, manager Aaron Boone faced a tough call on who to start in left field: prioritize offense and potential by starting Jasson Dominguez, or defense by going with Trent Grisham, a two-time Gold Glove winner. Boone ultimately chose Alex Verdugo, a decision that’s being questioned by many. Verdugo has struggled significantly since May, ranking 133rd out of 136 qualified hitters.

He posted a negative 0.1 fWAR over that span. Despite being an average defender with 0 Outs Above Average (OAA), his offensive output has been abysmal, raising doubts about what he brings to the lineup. Jasson Dominguez, while inexperienced and with a shaky defense, offers far more upside offensively and with his speed. In his brief time since being recalled in September, he showed flashes of his potential, including stealing five bases. Having said that, the decision to start Alex Verdugo may stem from his left-handed bat and experience, but the case for Dominguez or Grisham is strong. Boone’s decision to go with Verdugo suggests he has little faith in the alternatives. However, with Verdugo’s extended slump, the New York Yankees are sacrificing both offensive and defensive potential in a critical postseason game against a quality lineup of Kansas City Royals.

Anthony Rizzo Left Out Of ALDS Roster

Courtesy Somerset Patriots
In a significant development, the New York Yankees snubbed first baseman Anthony Rizzo from the ALDS roster due to fractured fingers. The infielder is currently placed on 15-day IL and is yet to resume baseball activities. However, despite the early setback, the Yanks are hopeful of a return, given the team advances in October.

“I do feel confident the ALCS, I’ll be able to contribute,” Anthony Rizzo reacted on his snub. Having said that, Rizzo played catch on Friday with the team and noted that he feels better than how he felt did six days ago. Hence, the recovery is on pace as Rizzo aims for a return following the 15-day timeline concludes.