CLEARWATER, Fla. – Spencer Jones homered again Tuesday, a day after the Yankees officially optioned him back to Triple-A.
“I think the biggest thing I’ve gotten out of this (camp) is the feeling of I belong, and I can compete and do whatever to help the team win,’’ Jones said before the Yanks’ 4-2 exhibition victory over the Philadelphia Phillies.
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Jones leads the Yankees with four Grapefruit League home runs, but he could’ve doubled that total and still started the season at Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
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Aaron Judge, Team USA captain, World Baseball Classic 2026
HOUSTON, TEXAS – MARCH 06: Aaron Judge #99 of the United States speaks with the media after defeating Brazil during the 2026 World Baseball Classic Pool B game between the United States and Brazil at Daikin Park on March 06, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
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Aaron Judge, Team USA captain, World Baseball Classic 2026
HOUSTON, TEXAS – MARCH 06: Aaron Judge #99 of the United States speaks with the media after defeating Brazil during the 2026 World Baseball Classic Pool B game between the United States and Brazil at Daikin Park on March 06, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
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Aaron Judge, Team USA captain, World Baseball Classic 2026
HOUSTON, TEXAS – MARCH 06: Aaron Judge #99 of the United States speaks with the media after defeating Brazil during the 2026 World Baseball Classic Pool B game between the United States and Brazil at Daikin Park on March 06, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
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Aaron Judge, Team USA captain, World Baseball Classic 2026
HOUSTON, TEXAS – MARCH 06: Aaron Judge #99 of the United States reacts during the 2026 World Baseball Classic Pool B game between the United States and Brazil at Daikin Park on March 06, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
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Aaron Judge, Team USA captain, World Baseball Classic 2026
HOUSTON, TEXAS – MARCH 07: Aaron Judge #99 of Team United States bats in the first inning against Team Great Britain during a 2026 World Baseball Classic Pool B game at Daikin Park on March 07, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
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Aaron Judge, Team USA captain, World Baseball Classic 2026
HOUSTON, TEXAS – MARCH 07: Aaron Judge #99 of the United States looks on prior to the 2026 World Baseball Classic Pool B game between Great Britain and the United States at Daikin Park on March 07, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
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Aaron Judge, Team USA captain, World Baseball Classic 2026
HOUSTON, TEXAS – MARCH 07: Aaron Judge #99 of Team United States looks on after batting against Team Great Britain in the seventh inning during a 2026 World Baseball Classic Pool B game at Daikin Park on March 07, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
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Aaron Judge, Team USA captain, World Baseball Classic 2026
HOUSTON, TEXAS – MARCH 07: Aaron Judge #99 of Team United States looks on prior to a 2026 World Baseball Classic Pool B game against Team Great Britain at Daikin Park on March 07, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
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Aaron Judge, Team USA captain, World Baseball Classic 2026
HOUSTON, TEXAS – MARCH 07: Aaron Judge #99 and Will Smith #16 of the United States celebrate after defeating Great Britain during the 2026 World Baseball Classic Pool B game between Great Britain and the United States at Daikin Park on March 07, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
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Aaron Judge, Team USA captain, World Baseball Classic 2026
HOUSTON, TEXAS – MARCH 07: Aaron Judge #99 of Team United States looks on prior to a 2026 World Baseball Classic Pool B game against Team Great Britain at Daikin Park on March 07, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
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Aaron Judge, Team USA captain, World Baseball Classic 2026
HOUSTON, TEXAS – MARCH 07: Aaron Judge #99 of the United States in action during the 2026 World Baseball Classic Pool B game between Great Britain and the United States at Daikin Park on March 07, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
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Aaron Judge, Team USA captain, World Baseball Classic 2026
HOUSTON, TEXAS – MARCH 07: Aaron Judge #99 of the United States in action during the 2026 World Baseball Classic Pool B game between Great Britain and the United States at Daikin Park on March 07, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
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Aaron Judge, Team USA captain, World Baseball Classic 2026
HOUSTON, TEXAS – MARCH 07: Aaron Judge #99 of the United States in action during the 2026 World Baseball Classic Pool B game between Great Britain and the United States at Daikin Park on March 07, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
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Aaron Judge, Team USA captain, World Baseball Classic 2026
HOUSTON, TEXAS – MARCH 07: Aaron Judge #99 of the United States in action during the 2026 World Baseball Classic Pool B game between Great Britain and the United States at Daikin Park on March 07, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
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Aaron Judge, Team USA captain, World Baseball Classic 2026
HOUSTON, TEXAS – MARCH 07: Aaron Judge #99 of the United States gestures during the 2026 World Baseball Classic Pool B game between Great Britain and the United States at Daikin Park on March 07, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
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Aaron Judge, Team USA captain, World Baseball Classic 2026
HOUSTON, TEXAS – MARCH 07: Aaron Judge #99 of the United States in action during the 2026 World Baseball Classic Pool B game between Great Britain and the United States at Daikin Park on March 07, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
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Aaron Judge, Team USA captain, World Baseball Classic 2026
HOUSTON, TEXAS – MARCH 07: Aaron Judge #99 of the United States looks on during the 2026 World Baseball Classic Pool B game between Great Britain and the United States at Daikin Park on March 07, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
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Aaron Judge, Team USA captain, World Baseball Classic 2026
HOUSTON, TEXAS – MARCH 07: Aaron Judge #99 of the United States looks on after hitting an RBI single in the sixth inning against Great Britain during the 2026 World Baseball Classic Pool B game between Great Britain and the United States at Daikin Park on March 07, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
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Aaron Judge, Team USA captain, World Baseball Classic 2026
HOUSTON, TEXAS – MARCH 07: Aaron Judge #99 and Ernie Clement #5 of the United States celebrate during the 2026 World Baseball Classic Pool B game between Great Britain and the United States at Daikin Park on March 07, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
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Aaron Judge, Team USA captain, World Baseball Classic 2026
Mar 6, 2026; Houston, TX, United States; United States right fielder Aaron Judge (99) smiles during batting practice before the game against Brazil at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
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Aaron Judge, Team USA captain, World Baseball Classic 2026
Mar 6, 2026; Houston, TX, United States; United States right fielder Aaron Judge (99) hits a home run during the first inning against Brazil at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
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Aaron Judge, Team USA captain, World Baseball Classic 2026
Mar 6, 2026; Houston, TX, United States; United States right fielder Aaron Judge (99) hits a home run during the first inning against Brazil at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
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Aaron Judge, Team USA captain, World Baseball Classic 2026
Mar 6, 2026; Houston, TX, United States; United States right fielder Aaron Judge (99) reacts after hitting a home run during the first inning against Brazil at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
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Aaron Judge, Team USA captain, World Baseball Classic 2026
Mar 6, 2026; Houston, TX, United States; United States right fielder Aaron Judge (99) celebrates with first baseman Bryce Harper (24) after hitting a home run during the first inning against Brazil at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
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Aaron Judge, Team USA captain, World Baseball Classic 2026
Mar 6, 2026; Houston, TX, United States; United States right fielder Aaron Judge (99) reacts after hitting a home run during the first inning against Brazil at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
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Aaron Judge, Team USA captain, World Baseball Classic 2026
Mar 6, 2026; Houston, TX, United States; United States right fielder Aaron Judge (99) celebrates with designated hitter Kyle Schwarber (12) after hitting a home run during the first inning against Brazil at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
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Aaron Judge, Team USA captain, World Baseball Classic 2026
Mar 6, 2026; Houston, TX, United States; United States right fielder Aaron Judge (99) and designated hitter Kyle Schwarber (12) and third baseman Alex Bregman (2) look on from the dugout during the third inning against Brazil at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
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Aaron Judge, Team USA captain, World Baseball Classic 2026
Mar 7, 2026; Houston, TX, United States; United States right fielder Aaron Judge (99) reacts to striking out against Great Britain during the fourth inning at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
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Aaron Judge, Team USA captain, World Baseball Classic 2026
Mar 7, 2026; Houston, TX, United States; United States right fielder Aaron Judge (99) and center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (4) congratulate designated hitter Kyle Schwarber (12) after hitting a two-run home run against Great Britain during the fifth inning at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
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Aaron Judge, Team USA captain, World Baseball Classic 2026
Mar 7, 2026; Houston, TX, United States; United States right fielder Aaron Judge (99) hits an RBI single against Great Britain during the sixth inning at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
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Aaron Judge, Team USA captain, World Baseball Classic 2026
Mar 7, 2026; Houston, TX, United States; The cleats of United States right fielder Aaron Judge (99) are seen as he stands on first base during the sixth inning against Great Britain at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
There’s just no current opening for regular play in the Yankees’ crowded veteran outfield, and that same math probably applies to Jasson Dominguez, who also homered Tuesday afternoon.
Dominguez’s homer was right-handed, the side the switch-hitter must hone (along with his left field defense) to fulfill his promise or at least resurrect his trade value.
So, the RailRiders might have the minors’ best outfield until a need arises or the right deal comes along before the Aug. 3 deadline.
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Spencer Jones ‘knocking on the door’ to Yankees
Mar 10, 2026; Clearwater, Florida, USA; New York Yankees center fielder Spencer Jones (78) rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run in the second inning against the Philadelphia Phillies during spring training at BayCare Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
One option, particularly for Jones, is that he just bashes his way to the Bronx.
Watching the 6-foot-7 Jones uncoil that updated, Shohei Ohtani-modeled swing – with a homer to left-center, where the wind was carrying – was one more tantalizing glimpse at his signature strength.
“It’s all been positive and there’s still more to come with it,’’ Jones said of his stance, arms extended across the plate, with a toe-tap (no leg kick) trigger.
In that setup, Jones feels “very still, very stable. It’s just about being on time and swinging at the right pitches.’’
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And speaking of timing…
“As much as you can, don’t focus on things that might be out of your control,’’ was manager Aaron Boone’s advice to Jones, after the team optioned him.
“There’s still improvements he needs to make in his game,’’ Boone said, referencing a need to cut down the strikeout totals – not any easy task given Jones’ prodigious power swing.
But the “reality is, he’s pushing through right now. He’s knocking on that door,’’ said Boone.
Jones could break that door down, or someone could wind up on the injured list, or maybe someone’s lackluster start provides an opening.
“You never want to hear it, but it is what it is,’’ Jones said of being optioned. “I’ve got a lot of good work to do, and obviously a long season ahead of us.
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“Opportunities are available and it’s about taking advantage of it.’’
Jasson Dominguez’s subtle swing change
Mar 10, 2026; Clearwater, Florida, USA; New York Yankees left fielder Jasson Dominguez (24) hits a solo home run in the first inning against the Philadelphia Phillies during spring training at BayCare Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
In the spirit of just wanting “to try something new’’ from his far less productive right side, Dominguez made a slight swing alteration this winter.
“Last year, I had a big leg kick. This year, not so much,’’ Dominguez said of getting his left foot down quicker. “Overall, I feel pretty good’’ about it.
As Boone has said, “it’s his natural side, that’s why I see the potential there’’ as a righty hitter.
“Again, I think it’s an experience thing. I think he still controls the zone from that side,’’ said Boone. “It’s just continuing to get reps from that side.’’
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In the short term, those at-bats might be coming at Scranton.
Dominguez, who just turned 23, has just 118 at-bats in parts of three MLB seasons as a righty hitter, with a .530 OPS (in 350 at-bats as a lefty hitter, it’s a .790 OPS).
“He’s still a better left-handed hitter, but there’s no reason to think that over time, the right side can’t (improve),’’ said Boone. “Because he’s got power, he’s got plate discipline.
“It’s just a matter of continuing to gain experience.’’
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: What’s next for Spencer Jones, Jasson Dominguez with Yankees in 2026?