Alex Verdugo hits homer after Jasson Dominguez joins Yankees

Alex Verdugo hit a two-run homer in the fourth inning, contributing to the Yankees' 10-4 victory over the Royals on Monday night. This was a significant moment for Verdugo, as it marked only his second at-bat since Jasson Dominguez, the Yankees' top prospect, was called up to the major league roster. Verdugo's performance came after a challenging stretch, having gone 52 at-bats without a home run prior to this game. Despite the competition for playing time with Dominguez, Verdugo expressed a team-first mentality, stating that winning is his priority. Yankees' general manager Brian Cashman supported Verdugo's position in left field, noting his recent improvement in performance. Dominguez's addition to the roster is expected to impact Verdugo's playing time, but both players have yet to discuss the implications of this change. Verdugo's recent success at the plate can be attributed to a change in batting gloves, which he discovered were causing an allergic reaction. Since switching gloves, he has improved his batting average significantly, going 18-for-54. This newfound comfort at the plate has allowed him to focus on his technique and approach, leading to better results. Yankees manager Aaron Boone praised Verdugo's recent at-bats, highlighting the importance of professionalism during this critical time of the season. As the Yankees aim for a playoff spot, Verdugo's contributions will be vital, especially as he navigates the challenges posed by Dominguez's presence on the roster.