Why this spring training homer meant more to Yankees’ Jasson Dominguez

Observations from Yankees spring training on Thursday:

Déjà vu

Jasson Domínguez blasted a homer off Justin Verlander from the left side.

It brought up memories of Domínguez’s first major league homer, which came off Verlander in Houston on Sept. 1, 2023.

Domínguez said he “of course” was thinking of that shot when he went up against Verlander again Thursday.

Jasson Dominguez belts a homer off Justin Verlander in the fourth inning of the Yankees’ spring training loss to the Tigers at Joker Marchant Stadium on March 12, 2026. Mike Watters-Imagn Images

Ben a long time

Ben Rice is 0-for-8 with four strikeouts and a walk in his past three games.

Defensively, however, he has looked fine so far at first base, which is the Yankees’ main concern for him this spring.

New York Yankees first baseman Ben Rice (22) prepares to take batting practice before a game against the Philadelphia Phillies during spring training at BayCare Ballpark. Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images

Caught my eye

Max Schuemann, looking to compete for a backup infielder spot, didn’t help his case when he was picked off first base by Kenley Jansen.

Friday’s schedule

Look for Cody Bellinger at first base, Ryan McMahon at shortstop and Ryan Weathers on the mound when the Yankees visit the Braves in North Port, Fla., at 1:05 p.m.