Yankees top prospect Jasson Dominguez nears return to game action

NEW YORK ---New York Yankees top prospect Jasson Dominguez, out since suffering an oblique strain June 15, is nearing a return to game action, according to manager Aaron Boone.

Boone said Dominguez took live batting practice Monday at the organization's spring training facility in Tampa against veteran reliever Nick Burdi, who is on the Yankees' injured list.

The plan, according to Boone, is for Dominguez to join Triple-A Scranton-Wilkes Barre by Wednesday to ramp up before playing in games "within the week."

"He's very close," Boone said.

Dominguez, 21, made his season debut in mid-May after completing his rehab from his Tommy John surgery in September. He mashed his way from A-ball through Double-A and into Triple-A in less than three weeks, and was slashing .356/.404/.609 with six home runs in 23 games across the three levels before his injury.

The Yankees, at the time, didn't have an acute need for the switch-hitting Dominguez on the roster. Left fielder Alex Verdugo, the league's worst hitter over the past five weeks, was still producing and designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton was healthy. That changed a week after Dominguez suffered his injury, when Stanton landed on the injured list with a hamstring strain.

Stanton, nearing his own return, took batting practice and ran the bases Tuesday at Yankee Stadium. He said Saturday he will either be activated from the injured list or begin a brief rehab assignment by the end of the week.

Stanton's return doesn't rule out Dominguez joining the Yankees for his second major league stint after the hyped prospect made his debut with the club last September. New York is desperate for consistent production beyond Aaron Judge and Juan Soto. Dominguez could provide a boost.

"He's an optioned player so whenever he starts playing, he's available," Boone said.