Five things learned from Phillies disappointing series loss to Nationals

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WASHINGTON, DC – AUGUST 22: Pitcher Seranthony Dominguez #58 of the Philadelphia Phillies tosses his glove in the air as he walks off of the field after giving up a walk-off home run to Ryan Zimmerman #11 of the Washington Nationals (not pictured) during the ninth inning at Nationals Park on August 22, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

Seranthony Dominguez isn’t a lockdown closer anymore

The Phillies seemingly had found their lockdown closer without having to make a trade with the emergence of Seranthony Dominguez. He had a 1.60 ERA in 33.2 innings in the first half, going 9-for-10 in save opportunities with 10 holds. His presence made the team confident that they didn’t have to sell the farm for a high-caliber closer at the trade deadline. However, Dominguez has inspired little confidence during the second half.

Dominguez blew his third save in eight opportunities during the second half Wednesday night. He got Bryce Harper and Anthony Rendon to fly out, but Juan Soto hit a two-out double. Dominguez tried to paint the corner with a 96.4 MPH fastball but left it right down the middle for Ryan Zimmerman to hit a walk-off home run.

Dominguez has struggled immensely in the second half. He now has a 6.10 ERA, 14.6 percent walk rate, and 1.65 WHIP in 10.1 innings. He came into Wednesday’s outing with five days of rest but still couldn’t get the job done. Dominguez was supposed to be a stabilizing force in the bullpen for the playoff push, but that is no longer the case.

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