In a dramatic start to Thursday's game against the Texas Rangers, New York Yankees left fielder Jasson Domínguez left the field after a hard collision with the left-field wall. The promising young outfielder was diagnosed with a low-grade AC sprain of his left shoulder, and the team announced he will be placed on the injured list. Fortunately, concussion tests have come back negative so far.
Domínguez, who was making just his second outfield appearance of the season for the Yankees, showcased his defensive instincts by sprinting 81 feet to track down a 101 mph line drive off the bat of Brandon Nimmo. He made the catch 375 feet from home plate, but his momentum carried him into the video advertising board, where his shoulder absorbed the brunt of the impact.
The collision sent Domínguez's sunglasses flying as he fell chest-first onto the warning track. Center fielder Trent Grisham immediately rushed over, and manager Aaron Boone was quick to join him, along with head athletic trainer Tim Lentych, assistant athletic trainer Jimmy Downam, and director of sports medicine and rehabilitation Michael Schuk. After about a minute on the ground, Domínguez cupped his head in his glove and sat up, pointing to his shoulder and craning his neck as the medical staff examined him. He was able to walk to a cart under his own power before being driven off the field.
With Domínguez out, the Yankees made defensive adjustments: Cody Bellinger shifted from right field to left, Amed Rosario moved from third base to right, and Ryan McMahon entered the game at third. Despite the early scare, the team rallied to a 9-2 victory, but they'll now have to navigate without one of their most dynamic young players as he recovers from this setback.
