The New York Yankees have called up top outfield prospect Spencer Jones and reliever Kervin Castro due to injuries in the roster. Jones replaces Jasson DomĂnguez, while Castro is expected to fill Brendan Beck's spot.
Key points
Spencer Jones replaces injured Jasson DomĂnguez
Kervin Castro recalled to bolster the bullpen
Jones has a .258 batting average with 11 home runs
Castro posted a 3.14 ERA in the minors this season
Yankees are adjusting lineup due to multiple injuries
New York YankeesSpencer JonesJasson DomĂnguezKervin Castro
TAMPA, FLORIDA - MARCH 17, 2026: Spencer Jones #68 of the New York Yankees puts on his helmet prior to an at bat during an intrasquad scrimmage game on Billy Martin Field 1 at the Himes Complex on March 17, 2026 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images
TAMPA, FLORIDA - MARCH 17, 2026: Spencer Jones #68 of the New York Yankees puts on his helmet prior to an at bat during an intrasquad scrimmage game on Billy Martin Field 1 at the Himes Complex on March 17, 2026 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images
With outfielder Jasson DomĂnguez headed to the injured list after crashing into the outfield wall earlier this afternoon, the New York Yankees have opted to promote top prospect Spencer Jones, according to reports.
Soon after, it was reported that, following the bullpen day, the Yankees were recalling Kervin Castro from the minors as well; he likely will be taking Brendan Beckâs spot on the roster, as the right-hander will probably be sent back to Scranton so he can remain stretched out as a starter.
By this point, Yankees fans are well-acquainted with Jones, whose rise through the minor league system has come under more scrutiny than any of the organizationâs recent prospects, with the possible exception of the man he is replacing. Originally taken with the 25th overall pick of the 2022 draft, the 6-foot-7 left-handed outfielder has steadily climbed through the organization, tantalizing scouts and fans alike with a power potential that is truly only rivaled by now-teammate Aaron Judge â and a similarly high strikeout rate. After yet again making adjustments in an attempt to improve his contact rate, this time by drawing on âs swing as inspiration, Jones has continued to, well, be himself so far this spring, posting a .258/.366/.592 slash line in 33 games, smashing 11 homers and striking out a whopping 46 times.
While Jones was the last outfielder on the 40-man roster not injured or already in the majors, it seemed at first glance like necessity might simply force the organizationâs hand. The presence of veterans and in Scranton, however â not to mention the ability of Cabrera, , and Jose Caballero to play the corner outfield spots â means that the Yankees didnât have to bring him up to ride the pine as the teamâs fourth outfielder. And with already on the shelf â the whole reason the Martian was up in the first place â and missing the last four games due to a hand contusion, itâs clear that the Yankees are finally looking to see if their former top prospect can make the jump to The Show and, like first baseman , .
Exactly how the Yankees will line up remains to be seen. Expect Jones to play the outfield more consistently than DomĂnguez did, however, as defense has been the youngsterâs calling card ever since he was drafted. Whether this means that Aaron Judge will get more DH days, or that they will cycle the DH spot through Judge, , and Rice (when heâs healthy, that is), weâll know soon enough.
Kervin Castro, a 27-year-old pitcher out of Venezuela, was added to the Yankeesâ 40-man roster last winter to avoid him being taken in the Rule 5 Draft â which is, coincidentally, how the Yankees acquired him from in 2023. Although he lost the competition for the final bullpen spots, he has pitched well enough in Scranton, posting a 3.14 ERA in 14.1 innings, that the Yankees feel comfortable bringing him up to reinforce a bullpen that needs some fresh arms after an unexpected bullpen day. This is not Castroâs MLB debut, however: he scattered 20 appearances with the Giants and Cubs between 2021 and 2022, allowing 15 runs in 25.2 innings.
Q&A
Why did the Yankees call up Spencer Jones?
The Yankees called up Spencer Jones to replace Jasson DomĂnguez, who is headed to the injured list after an outfield collision.
What are Spencer Jones's stats in the minor leagues this season?
Spencer Jones has a .258/.366/.592 slash line with 11 homers and 46 strikeouts in 33 games this spring.
Who is Kervin Castro and why was he recalled?
Kervin Castro is a 27-year-old pitcher recalled to reinforce the Yankees' bullpen after a bullpen day, having posted a 3.14 ERA in Scranton.
What impact will Spencer Jones have on the Yankees' lineup?
Spencer Jones is expected to play the outfield more consistently than DomĂnguez did, potentially affecting how often Aaron Judge plays as a designated hitter.
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