As we start the MLB season, we are getting closer to seeing Jasson Dominguez and other key Yankees make their 2024 season debut. Due to injuries, players like Dominguez and Gerrit Cole are awaiting their first starts of the season. In addition to the highly anticipated newly acquired star Juan Soto, who was traded for in the offseason along with Trent Grisham, the Padres received Kyle Higashioka, Michael King, and prospect Randy Vasquez. Thus far, Soto has been excellent for the Yankees and is a top MVP candidate early in the season.
As of May 14, 2024, Yankees outfielder Jasson Dominguez began his rehab by being assigned to play in Single-A. After tearing his UCL (Ulnar Collateral Ligament) in late September of last year, Dominguez was scheduled to undergo Tommy John surgery. About eight months later, he took his first at-bat after starting his rehab. In his initial at-bat in Single-A, he hit a ground ball at 90 mph to right field. Dominguez is expected to make a great impact in the outfield alongside stars like Juan Soto and Aaron Judge.
However, without star prospect Jasson Dominguez, the Yankees have been performing well with newcomer Soto playing at an MVP level. They are currently fifteen games above .500 and are looking strong heading into this season. Alongside updates on young Yankee star Jasson Dominguez’s rehabilitation journey, reports are circulating about star pitcher Gerrit Cole. Cole, who coming off an amazing season, went 15-4 with a 2.63 ERA and 209 innings pitched. Gerrit Cole was unanimously awarded the Cy Young Award last season.
However, fans hoping for Cole to replicate the astounding season he had were disappointed when he was placed on the I.L. with elbow nerve inflammation and edema. At the end of May, fortunately, Cole faced live hitters for the first time since Spring Training. He threw a bullpen to Oswaldo Cabrera before a night game, throwing around 20 pitches. Expect to see Cole return by mid or late June.
The Yankees have been plagued with many injuries to key players this season but have still been performing well. Currently, the Yankees hold a four-game lead over the second-place Orioles in the American League East. As of May 22, 2024, the Yankees were 33-17, winning 7 of their last 10 games. Even without the reigning Cy Young winner Gerrit Cole, the Yankees have been managing well.
This season, the majority of the reason behind the Yankees’ early success is their pitching. Currently, the Yankees have the best bullpen in baseball with a 2.86 ERA, along with the second-best starting rotation in the league with a 2.95 ERA. Even without star pitcher Gerrit Cole, the Yankees have shown promise and aim to continue this trend throughout the season.
The Yankees have had a solid start to the 2024 MLB season. With the addition of Juan Soto, the Yankees have been performing well since the first series of the season. Sweeping their postseason rivals, the Astros, in four games was a fantastic way to begin the season. Despite missing several key players due to injuries, the Yankees appear to be poised for a successful season. Players such as Gerrit Cole, D.J. LeMahieu, and Jasson Dominguez are hopeful for a return soon this season. The Yankees are eagerly anticipating the remainder of the season with hopes of bringing home the 28th World Series trophy to the Bronx.