“They're just trying to keep him from getting an arbitration raise” - Yankees fans upset on team’s decision to keep Alex Verdugo despite struggles

New York Yankees fans were unhappy when the team didn’t call up Jasson Dominguez to replace struggling left fielder Alex Verdugo. With the September roster expansion underway, many hoped the Yankees would invite Dominguez.

Verdugo entered Sunday’s game with a .232 batting average, 11 home runs, one stolen base, and 55 RBIs in 131 games. In the Yankees' 14-7 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals on Sunday, he recorded two hits in four at-bats and one RBI.

Fans vented frustration over the team's decision to stick with a struggling Verdugo, sharing their reactions on X, formerly Twitter.

“That's hilarious! I mean, they're just trying to keep him from getting an arbitration raise,” a fan said.

“He did have two hits today. The Yankees had 7 runs. The hitting didn’t lose the game,” another fan said.

“And that he’s a 'great guy'. Great guy? I want an offensive left fielder, not a drinking buddy,” another fan wrote.

Several fans called for Jasson Domínguez to be called up as Alex Verdugo’s replacement, while others discussed Verdugo’s stats.

“Yeah he needs to go and they need to bring up Jasson,” a comment reads.

“He’s the worst player in MLB stats wise and he plays all the time? Not sure what they see in him,” another comment reads.

“He is horrible. Look at those stats. That is pathetic,” someone wrote.

So far this 2024 season, Alex Verdugo is 117 for 499 with a .294 OBP and a .654 OPS.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone discusses Alex Verdugo's run

Alex Verdugo, set to become a free agent after the 2024 season, was traded to the New York Yankees in December. Yankees manager Aaron Boone opened up about Verdugo, commenting on his improving at-bats:

"Hopefully it’s him really getting going, because he’s really capable. I do think he’s been a little unlucky this year. You scratch underneath and it’s in line with what he’s done most of his career, as far as contact quality. He can really defend in left. If he can get it going, talking about length to the lineup, he certainly can provide that."

There is still time for the management to call up Jasson Domínguez before the postseason starts. The New York Yankees (79-58) are leading the AL East and will start a three-game series with the Texas Rangers on Monday.