The New York Yankees are in a precarious position, with the Los Angeles Dodgers looming large in the National League. With a 1 1/2-game gap to the Tampa Bay Rays in the American League East, the Yankees need to make some immediate changes to get back on track. Here are three key areas that require attention:
Cut ties with Camilo Doval: Doval's performance has been a disaster, with a 4.86 ERA over 41 appearances. His recent outing against the Dodgers, where he allowed three walks, a hit, and a run in 1 2/3 innings, highlights his struggles. The Yankees should consider trading him or even designating him for assignment, as he's out of minor-league options. Despite his potential, the team needs an upgrade, and Doval's performance doesn't justify his presence.
Call up Spencer Jones, demote Jasson Domínguez: Jones has shown promise in his second major-league call-up, with an .808 OPS and a 126 wRC+ in 53 plate appearances. His defensive skills in right field and ability to play all three outfield positions make him a valuable asset. Conversely, Domínguez's performance has been underwhelming, with a 94 wRC+ since June 13 and a minus-2 Outs Above Average in right field. The Yankees should consider giving Jones more playing time and demoting Domínguez to the minors.
Platoon Jazz Chisholm Jr.: Chisholm's performance against left-handed pitchers is concerning, with a 74 wRC+ this year, the third-worst among Yankees regulars. The team should consider platooning him with either Max Schuemann or José Caballero, who have shown better performance against left-handed pitching. While Chisholm's contract situation and pride may make him resistant to platooning, the team's options are limited, and it's a necessary step to improve their chances of success.
In summary, the Yankees need to make these changes to address their weaknesses and get back on track. By cutting ties with Doval, promoting Jones, and platooning Chisholm, they can improve their chances of competing with the Dodgers and closing the gap in the AL East.
