Jasson Domínguez is going through some growing pains in right field, as he overran a liner there Friday in The Bronx — although he made the catch.
On Saturday, he made a fine catch on JJ Bleday’s liner to right, but an errant throw to second prevented a potential inning-ending double play.
Domínguez said he rushed the throw and despite the issues, he added right field “feels more natural” than left after he came up as a center fielder in the minors.
Domínguez started one game in right with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in 2024 and then just three times this season at SWB.
Aaron Boone said Domínguez has been “pretty good” in right, where he got the start again in the Yankees’ 10-2 loss to Cincinnati on Saturday. “You see his speed come into play. Overall, he’s played pretty well. It’s early. He’s still a work in progress there.”
Despite his inexperience at the position, Domínguez is embracing the opportunity.
“I want to be able to play as much as I can and I can give them more places to use me,’’ Domínguez said. “I’m still learning, but I know you have to be able to do different things in the majors to get an opportunity, especially on this team. I just want to help.’’
The team’s outfield instructor, Luis Rojas, has been encouraged.
“I’m very confident in him feeling very comfortable quickly,’’ Rojas said. “I think he already is. Obviously, you want more experience for him there. Our right field [at the Stadium] plays a lot different than a lot of other places in the big leagues, but with his tools, his arm and ability to get to balls, I think it’s gonna work well for him.”
The Yankees are banking on it, with Aaron Judge sidelined with a fractured right rib and Trent Grisham out with a right hamstring strain.
And he knows there are added challenges to learning the position at this level compared to the minors.
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“There’s less room for error here,’’ Domínguez said. “It’s very important to make all the plays. But I think I can do it here.”
Jake Bird was optioned to SWB after Saturday’s game. While the move was made to make room for Sunday’s starter Elmer Rodríguez, the right-hander won’t be able to come back to the major league roster for 15 days unless there’s an injury to a pitcher that requires a stint on the injured list.
The Yankees have Carlos Lagrange transitioning to the bullpen at SWB and he’s expected to join the major league bullpen as soon as next month.
For all their strengths — and the fact the pen has pitched fairly well — it’s expected to look significantly different by the Aug. 3 trade deadline.
Bird, acquired from Colorado prior to last year’s deadline, has not been good with the Yankees.
José Caballero was picked off second base to end the bottom of the second.
“That one should not happen,’’ Boone said. … Boone caught the ceremonial first pitch from USC running back Waymond Jordan.