Yankees GM Endorses Ex-Red Sox Alex Verdugo Amid Struggles

Former Boston Red Sox outfielder Alex Verdugo struggled to find consistency with the Yankees, but New York fans shouldn't expect Jasson Domínguez to arrive any time soon.

Verdugo has 11 home runs and 56 RBIs in 134 games this season, but he's reached that production on an 83 OPS+ and poor play on defense along with a lack of hustle in key moments. The 28-year-old hasn't been what the Yankees hoped for when they acquired him, which is why fans want to see Domínguez replace him.

However, general manager Brian Cashman said on "The Michael Kay Show" this week that he believed Verdugo gave the team the best chance to win, which was why Domínguez hasn't been called up yet. He added that the top prospect would have to play every day if he were called up.

It wasn't a satisfactory response from Cashman for Yankees fans and had some believing the Yankees were manipulating Domínguez's service time by not calling him up. The 21-year-old was called up for one game this season, but he's mostly spent time at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. He has seven home runs and 24 RBIs in 41 games off a .868 OPS.

Cashman kept the faith in Verdugo, but if the Yankees miss out on the American League East crown, that could invite even more fervor from fans.