After the Yankees secured a 4–2 win over the Royals on Tuesday, manager Aaron Boone came under fire for a recurring pattern involving Jasson Dominguez. The young outfielder has been subbed out for defensive replacements in five of his 12 starts in left field — typically in favor of Cody Bellinger or Trent Grisham.
On paper, the tactic is logical: Dominguez provides pop at the plate early in games, while more seasoned outfielders are used to close things out defensively. But Boone raised eyebrows when, instead of framing the latest move as a strategic one, he offered a surprising explanation: Dominguez had lost his contact lenses during a sixth-inning double that also knocked off his helmet.
The comment sparked backlash among fans, who pointed out the inconsistency in Boone’s messaging. Previously, Boone had stated that the goal was to give Dominguez consistent reps in left field to help him grow defensively. However, his regular removal from games suggests otherwise.
Despite Dominguez leading AL left fielders with a +2 Defensive Runs Saved, the Yankees continue to rely on veteran outfielders late in games — a move that some say undercuts the rookie’s development. Boone’s explanation has left many fans unconvinced, with some accusing the manager of not being upfront about Dominguez’s role.
