The Yankees had a nightmare first inning against the Orioles on Wednesday night, highlighted by Jasson Dominguez making another miscue in left field, this time overrunning a fly ball near the foul line with the bases loaded, leading to two runs coming home to score.
The O’s cruised from there, and it raised questions about whether or not the Yankees’ top prospect will earn consistent playing time in October. The alternative is Alex Verdugo, who has struggled badly at the plate for months, and C-Mac admits that Wednesday’s miscue could cause the Yanks to turn back to Verdugo.
“As much as we want Dominguez, that is a problem, what’s happening in left field,” C-Mac said. “After last night, I feel like Verdugo is much more in play than I thought he was heading into this.”
Defense is obviously pivotal in the playoffs, and the Yanks already have some question marks, as Jazz Chisholm has little experience at third base, and Gleyber Torres has been among the league leaders in errors by second basemen all season. But regardless, C-Mac would prioritize offense in left field, and that nod goes to Dominguez.
“I would still live with that problem,” C-Mac said. “I have seen too many years, too many postseason series and early exits based solely on the inability of this offense to score any runs.
“In my mind, I think the decision has to be offense, but I don’t know which way the Yankees are gonna go.”