Domínguez delivers go-ahead HR in Yanks' 8-run 9th

NORTH PORT, Fla. -- It has already been something of a dream spring for Jasson Domínguez, who launched a homer in his second at-bat with the big leaguers and has drawn rave reviews from instructors for his coachability. “The Martian” is only getting started.

The Yankees’ No. 2 prospect according to MLB Pipeline, Domínguez continued to impress on Sunday, blasting a go-ahead three-run homer as part of an eight-run ninth inning in the Yankees’ 10-6 victory over the Braves at CoolToday Park.

“The best thing about it is just being around the guys that are in the big leagues,” Domínguez said through an interpreter. “I was seeing this camp as a learning experience, so being around those guys and learning from those guys has definitely been great.”

Domínguez’s second spring homer came on a two-strike pitch from right-hander Nolan Kingham, clearing the right-field wall and striking a cement concourse before bouncing high into the air. New York had been trailing, 6-2, going into the ninth.

“It just seems like the game moves slow to him a little bit in that box,” manager Aaron Boone said. “He’s got such a good command of the strike zone. This time, it was a behind-in-the-count, quality at-bat, and he just stepped on it.”

The youngest player in Major League camp at age 20, Domínguez is batting .417 (5-for-12) with six runs scored, four RBIs, two walks and a stolen base this spring.

Domínguez agreed with Boone’s take, saying that he is “seeing the ball much better” of late, hitting in better counts and playing looser.

“That’s how I like to play the game,” Domínguez said. “That’s one of the things that I’ve learned over the years; that as the game speeds up, you have to do the opposite. If you allow the game to speed you up, then you get out of your rhythm.”

Though Domínguez is likely ticketed to begin his season at Double-A Somerset, where he played five games toward the end of the 2022 campaign, there is great excitement and interest about his future -- even among some of the more experienced players on the roster.

When Domínguez homered, several of his teammates were dressing in the visiting clubhouse, having already exited the game. Infielder/outfielder Oswaldo Cabrera raised both fists in a triumphant pose, and catcher Kyle Higashioka shouted: "The Martian!"

Many fans have clamored online for top prospect Anthony Volpe to open the season in New York, and a Domínguez promotion is not far behind on their wish list.

Though he’s aware of “more fans” at this level, Domínguez said that he is attempting to stay off the grid as much as possible, not wanting to distract his focus.

“I’m not really reading comments or anything like that,” he said. “I don’t really spend much time on social media.”