The New York Yankees made a slight change to the starting lineup for Saturday's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Giving Glyeber Torres, the everyday leadoff hitter, a day off, the Yankees opted to put top prospect Jasson Dominguez at the top of the order.
Dominguez, who has been platooning left field with Alex Verdugo, will be the first player to face Pirates phenom and likely National League Rookie of the Year Paul Skenes. Dominguez has appeared in 15 games during the month of September since being called up. He's hitting .200 with two home runs, four RBI, 15 strikeouts, five stolen bases and a .689 OPS.
Skenes has been nothing short of electric since his arrival in May. He's 11-3 with a 1.99 ERA, 167 strikeouts and a 0.96 WHIP across 22 starts.
Gleyber Torres's Rest Day
Torres isn't in the Yankees' lineup Saturday against the Pirates. Torres will take a seat Saturday after going 1-for-4 during a loss in Friday's series opener. He'll be replaced at the keystone by Jon Berti, who will bat ninth.
Yankees Give Anthony Volpe the Day Off
The Yankees also are giving starting shortstop Anthony Volpe the day off, which allows Cabrera to get some action at shortstop. With Torres out, the Yankees are putting Berti at second base while Luis Gil gets the start on the mound against Skenes.
Dominguez vs. Skenes: A Battle of Young Stars
The matchup between Dominguez and Skenes is sure to be a highlight of the game. Dominguez is a highly touted prospect who has shown flashes of brilliance in his limited time in the major leagues. Skenes is a dominant pitcher who has quickly established himself as one of the best young arms in the game.
Dominguez's Potential
Dominguez is a five-tool player who has the potential to be a star in the major leagues. He has a strong arm, good speed, and impressive power. He's still developing his hitting, but he has shown that he can make solid contact and hit for power.
Skenes' Dominance
Skenes has been dominant since he was drafted by the Pirates with the first overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft. He has a fastball that can reach 100 mph and a sharp slider that he uses to keep hitters off balance. He's also shown an ability to throw his changeup for strikes, which makes him even more difficult to hit.
What's Next for the Yankees?
The Yankees will look to bounce back from their loss on Friday and get back on track in the series against the Pirates. They will need to find a way to slow down Skenes and get some timely hitting if they want to do so. The game will be broadcast on YES Network and MLB.TV.
The Yankees are in a tight race for a playoff spot, and every game is important at this point in the season. They'll be looking to get a win on Saturday and continue their push for a postseason berth.
The game between the Yankees and Pirates is sure to be an exciting one. With Dominguez and Skenes facing off, it will be a battle of two of the most exciting young players in the game. The game will be a must-watch for any baseball fan.