The New York Yankees suffered a concerning moment on Thursday when rookie sensation Jasson Domínguez was forced to leave the game against the Texas Rangers after a violent collision with the left-field wall. The incident occurred in the top of the first inning when Domínguez, making only his second outfield start of the season, sprinted 81 feet to track down a 101 mph line drive off the bat of Brandon Nimmo.
Domínguez made the catch 375 feet from home plate, but as he stretched to make the grab, his left shoulder slammed hard into the video advertising board. The impact sent his sunglasses flying as he crashed chest-first onto the warning track. Center fielder Trent Grisham was the first to reach him, followed quickly by manager Aaron Boone, head athletic trainer Tim Lentych, assistant athletic trainer Jimmy Downam, and director of sports medicine and rehabilitation Michael Schuk.
After lying motionless for about a minute, Domínguez sat up and cupped his head in his glove. During the examination, he pointed to his shoulder and craned his neck, signaling where the pain was concentrated. To the relief of everyone in the stadium, he was able to walk to the cart under his own power before being driven off the field.
In the defensive shuffle that followed, Cody Bellinger shifted from right field to left, Amed Rosario moved from third base to right, and Ryan McMahon entered the game as the new third baseman. The Yankees will surely provide updates on Domínguez's condition, but for now, the team and its fans can only hope the injury isn't serious for one of baseball's most exciting young talents.
