Yankees Have Return Window For Injured Top Prospect

New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said this prospect is recovering well from last year's surgery.

New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman provided an update and a potential return window for one of the franchise’s top young players.

Cashman was part of Marcus Stroman’s introductory press conference on Thursday and the subject of outfielder Jasson Domínguez’s recovery from Tommy John surgery.

Since his surgery in mid-September the 20-year-old No. 2 prospect has been on the long road back to recovery. Domínguez is four months out from the surgery and Cashman said that “The Martian,” as he is nicknamed, could be back “sometime in the summer.”

Now, “sometime” is vague. But there’s a template for a potential return to the plate by Domínguez and it was created by Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper.

Harper suffered the same injury in 2022 and played through it, serving as the Phillies designated hitter during their World Series run.

Harper had the surgery in November of 2022 and made his return to the plate as a designated hitter in May of 2023, roughly six months later. He made a return to the field at first base two months later, right after the All-Star Break.

Harper’s recovery was the fastest of any position player in history. If Domínguez were to duplicate it, he could be back at the plate as early as March. A summer window would indicate that the Yankees want to give him as much time as needed to be ready.

Plus, the Yankees don’t have to rush him back with the acquisitions of Juan Soto, Trent Grisham and Alex Verdugo to bolster their outfielder.

Still, Cashman is eager to have him back.

"We're going to need him whenever he's ready,” Cashman said.

Domínguez batted .258 with four home runs and seven RBI, including hitting a home run in his first Major League at-bat off Houston’s Justin Verlander.