Yankees’ Dominguez Injured, A’s Kurtz Extends Walk Streak, Cards’ Dobbins on Call

The Yankees fell 5-3 to the A’s on Wednesday as key injuries and milestones dominated the action. Oakland’s Nick Kurtz extended his walk streak to 18 games, tying Barry Bonds for the third-longest in MLB history since 1900. Meanwhile, Jasson Dominguez left the game after being hit by a pitch, and St. Louis is set to call up Hunter Dobbins Thursday.

Nick Kurtz drew a walk off Michael Wacha in the fourth inning to reach 18 consecutive games with a free pass. His streak ties Bonds for third all-time behind Ted Williams, who walked in 19 straight in 1941. Kurtz has drawn 24 total walks this season in 46 plate appearances. The first baseman is off to a .385 on-base percentage start, showing his value as a leadoff threat.

Jasson Dominguez was hit by a Nathan Eovaldi cutter in the fifth inning and left the game. He underwent initial X-rays and is now heading back to New York for further imaging, per Erik Boland of Newsday Sports. Dominguez struggled during spring training and was left off the Opening Day roster behind Cody Bellinger and Trent Grisham. A Giancarlo Stanton injury gave him a chance to earn playing time, but he went 1-for-9 in his first three games back.

St. Louis is preparing for a major move as Hunter Dobbins is expected to be called up for a start on Thursday. The 26-year-old right-hander is returning from a torn ACL and was acquired in the Willson Contreras trade with the Cubs. Dobbins posted a 4.13 ERA in 13 appearances (11 starts) with Boston in 2024. His debut will be the first for a top prospect in the Cardinals’ young core.

Chicago’s bullpen may get a key addition on Friday as closer Daniel Palencia could return without needing a rehab assignment. The right-hander was sidelined with a lat strain after being diagnosed with an oblique injury initially. The Cubs are missing several relievers including Hunter Harvey, Caleb Thielbar, and Riley Martin. Palencia has 22 saves in 23 chances over the past two seasons, and manager Craig Counsell has used five different closers this year.

The Cardinals (18-16) remain in a tight NL Central race while the Yankees (15-19) continue to search for consistency. Dobbins’ start and Dominguez’s injury status will be key moving forward. Oakland (13-21) extended its walk streak, but will need more offense to climb out of the AL West basement. The Cubs (16-18) could get a much-needed boost in the bullpen as they chase a Wild Card spot.