Phillies unsung heroes for first half of 2018 season

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JUNE 10: Seranthony Dominguez #58 of the Philadelphia Phillies throws a pitch in the top of seventh inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Citizens Bank Park on June 10, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies defeated the Brewers 4-3. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JUNE 10: Seranthony Dominguez #58 of the Philadelphia Phillies throws a pitch in the top of seventh inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Citizens Bank Park on June 10, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies defeated the Brewers 4-3. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
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WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 23 : Pitcher Seranthony Dominguez #58 of the Philadelphia Phillies throws to a Washington Nationals batter in the ninth inning at Nationals Park on June 23, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 23 : Pitcher Seranthony Dominguez #58 of the Philadelphia Phillies throws to a Washington Nationals batter in the ninth inning at Nationals Park on June 23, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Seranthony Dominguez

Hector Neris started the season as the closer and although saved 10 games, struggled mightily. He has been so poor that he has been sent to Triple A twice and has a 6.90 ERA with 11 home runs allowed.  Step in Seranthony Dominguez to solidify the back-end of the bull pen.

The 23-year old Dominguez made a rapid climb through the minor leagues and has been nearly lights out with the Phillies. Although he’s had a couple tough outings over the past two weeks, Dominguez has saved seven in eight opportunities and has a 1.98 ERA. He’s struck out 36, walked only four and allowed just 14 hits in 27 1/3 innings.

The rookie appears to be the real deal and him taking over the closer role could prove to be the single biggest move the Phillies made this season.