The Yankees are off on Thursday, but the action heats up Friday night when they kick off a four-game series against the Orioles at Yankee Stadium. While fans are eager to see the Bombers take on a division rival, there's another storyline brewing that's got everyone talking: the future of top prospect Jasson Dominguez.

Here's the thing about Dominguez: he's electric. The kid has all the tools to be a star, but the Yankees' roster is stacked, and finding him a permanent spot is proving to be a puzzle. He can stick around, sure, but the reality is, he probably won't—at least not right now. The outfield is crowded, and the team is prioritizing veteran presence and defensive stability. It's a tough break for a player with his talent, but it's how the game works at this level.

Of course, this isn't the first time the Yankees have faced a roster crunch. Think back to 1977, when Reggie Jackson's three-homer game in Game 6 of the World Series etched his name in history. That team used just 13 pitchers all season. Ed Figueroa, Mike Torrez, and Ron Guidry each topped 210 innings, while relievers Sparky Lyle and Dick Tidrow combined for a staggering 288 innings. Fast-forward to 2025, and only three starters in all of baseball hit the 200-inning mark. The game has changed, and so have the numbers.

Today's Yankees are a different beast. Last season, they used 33 pitchers—including a mop-up appearance by outfielder Austin Slater. This year, through just 31 games, they're already up to 16. But here's the good news: the rotation is dealing. Max Fried and Cam Schlittler are regularly going six, seven, or even eight innings, and the starters boast a league-best 2.74 ERA. They're averaging nearly six innings per start, and they've completed six frames 14 times already.

And it's only going to get better. Gerrit Cole is on the mend, tossing 60 pitches in his third rehab start with Somerset on Tuesday. With two innings-eating aces due back from surgery in May, the Yankees' pitching depth is about to get a serious boost. That's a big reason why they're +310 favorites on BetMGM to win the American League this season.

For Dominguez, patience is key. The talent is undeniable, and his time will come. But for now, the Yankees are playing the long game—and that means sticking with what's working, even if it means leaving a phenom on the bench.