That Balls Outta Here
FanSided

Phillies’ biggest surprises from first half of 2018 season

By Kerry Kauffman

NEW YORK, NY - JULY 09: Nick Williams #5, Aaron Altherr #23 and Rhys Hoskins #17 of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrate after defeating the New York Mets 3-1 during game two of a doubleheader at Citi Field on July 9, 2018 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - JULY 09: Nick Williams #5, Aaron Altherr #23 and Rhys Hoskins #17 of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrate after defeating the New York Mets 3-1 during game two of a doubleheader at Citi Field on July 9, 2018 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – JULY 03: Seranthony Dominguez #58 of the Philadelphia Phillies delivers a pitch in the ninth inning during a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Citizens Bank Park on July 3, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies won 3-2. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images) /

Bullpen trio of Ramos, Arano, and Dominguez

While there were many question marks about the bullpen heading out of spring training, this trio has proved to be more than solid. In fact, Edubray Ramos, Victor Arano, and Seranthony Dominguez have come out of nowhere to form one of the better bullpen trios in the National League.

Dominguez flew through the organization and took over the closer role after Hector Neris struggled. In 31 2/3 innings, he has a stellar 41-to-6 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Dominguez has gone 8 for 9 opportunities and has an ERA of 1.71.

While Ramos made 59 appearances last season with the Phillies and struck out 75 in 57 2/3 innings, he lost seven and had a mediocre 4.21 ERA.  This season, he’s been near lights out, striking out 32 and allowing just 4 earned runs in 30 2/3 innings.

Arano showed promise in 10 games last season, pitching to a 1.69 ERA, but the sample size was too small to accurately forecast what he would do this season. All he has done is help solidify the back end of the bullpen. He’s struck out 36 in 32 1/3 innings and posted an ERA of 2.51.

What makes this trio even more effective is their ability to keep the ball in the park. They have given up a combined five home runs in 92 1/3 innings.  Should this trio continue to perform at this level, the Phillies are in good shape for a post season run.

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