That Balls Outta Here
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Phillies: Five things we learned from the month of May

By John Town

LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 31: Yasmani Grandal of the Los Angeles Dodgers stands at the plate while Scott Kingery #4 of the Philadelphia Phillies scores a run in the seventh inning as Jesmuel Valentin #9 signals to stand at Dodger Stadium on May 31, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 31: Yasmani Grandal of the Los Angeles Dodgers stands at the plate while Scott Kingery #4 of the Philadelphia Phillies scores a run in the seventh inning as Jesmuel Valentin #9 signals to stand at Dodger Stadium on May 31, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – MAY 31: Seranthony Dominguez #58 of the Philadelphia Phillies pitches in the ninth inning in a 2-1 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on May 31, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images) /

Seranthony Dominguez is truly something

Most people expected the Phillies’ bullpen to be a key strength this season. But could anyone guess that their best pitcher at the end of May would be Seranthony Dominguez?

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A lot of fans probably didn’t even know who Dominguez was coming into the season. He spent 2017 pitching in High-A Clearwater as a starter, posting a 3.61 ERA in 15 appearances. Dominguez made his way onto prospect rankings thanks to his electric stuff, but his command was questionable. He was moved to the bullpen this year and quickly rose to the majors.

Since making his major-league debut, Dominguez has ranked among the best relievers in the game. He has allowed the fewest hits (two) of any relievers with more than 10 innings pitched in this timeframe. Dominguez also has the lowest weighted on-base average allowed (.058) and is one of just five who hasn’t allowed a run.

He ranks seventh in both fielding-independent pitching and expected fielding-independent pitching. Dominguez ranked behind only Sean Doolittle and Josh Hader in wins above replacement in May.

Dominguez has become manager Gabe Kapler’s go-to reliever out of the bullpen. He already has two six-out saves, not allowing a baserunner in either one. Any time the Phillies get put in a tough situation, Kapler calls on Dominguez to quell the situation. He has done just that, picking up six holds along with those two saves.

Next: What should we think of Zach Eflin so far in 2018?

With the Phillies right in the heart of the conversation of playoff contenders, Dominguez will play a huge part in securing close wins as the season goes on.

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