Yankees Top Prospect Suffers Devastating Injury Just Days After MLB Debut

New York Yankees outfielder Jasson Dominguez has hit a major roadblock in his promising major-league career.

Initially sidelined due to what was thought to be routine elbow irritation, a recent MRI revealed a torn right ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his right elbow, a condition that often requires Tommy John surgery.

While Yankees manager Aaron Boone has not yet scheduled surgery, the typical recovery time for position players undergoing Tommy John surgery is around nine to ten months.

I gotta say, when Jasson Domínguez made this throw the other day, I thought, "Man, that was weird." Didn't seem like a throw from a guy with his kind of arm.

This was Wednesday, the day Domínguez says he told the Yankees about his elbow soreness. pic.twitter.com/HxTR0pYkSl

— Brendan Kuty 🧟‍♂️ (@BrendanKutyNJ) September 10, 2023

However, some athletes have managed to return as early as six months.

Given Dominguez's status as the Yankees' highly regarded No. 2 prospect, the team is expected to proceed with utmost caution regarding his treatment and recovery.

If Dominguez does opt for surgery, there's a possibility he could return to hitting for the Yankees by the spring training of 2024.

Top New York Yankees prospect Jasson Dominguez has a torn right ulnar collateral ligament, manager Aaron Boone said.

He may very well need Tommy John surgery, though position players can often return within six months of surgery. Dominguez shouldn't miss much time next season.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) September 10, 2023

In the meantime, the team will need to explore alternative options for center field.

Everson Pereira is the next in line on the depth chart for center field, and if Dominguez is unable to play in 2023, Jake Bauers may step into a regular outfield role.

Dominguez had shown great promise with a .258 batting average, a .980 OPS, and four home runs in just 31 at-bats before his unfortunate injury.

Fans are hopeful for his swift and successful recovery, eager to see his talent back on the field. Photo Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports