ARLINGTON, Texas — Just when one barrier to consistent big league at-bats got out of his way, Jasson Domínguez could not get out of the way of a pitch.
The Yankees left fielder was drilled in the left elbow by an 89 mph cutter in the top of the fourth inning Wednesday afternoon, and after going down in pain and getting tended to by a trainer, stayed in the game — but not for long.
By the bottom of the frame, Max Schuemann replaced Domínguez in left field, as the Yankees held their breath on the diagnosis to come.
The Yankees called it a “left elbow contusion” for Domínguez, and said he underwent X-rays at Globe Life Field, but would require further imaging back in New York.
Domínguez was playing just his third game of the season after being called up on Monday to fill in for the injured Giancarlo Stanton.
Earlier on Wednesday, the Yankees had also designated Randal Grichuk for assignment, clearing the way for Domínguez to stay in the big leagues even once Anthony Volpe returns from a rehab assignment, potentially as soon as this weekend.
Now that runway was put on hold as Domínguez got his elbow looked at.