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Should the Phillies test Seranthony Dominguez in the closer role?

By Jim Koch

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 22: Seranthony Dominguez #58 of the Philadelphia Phillies pitches during the eighth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Citizens Bank Park on May 22, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 22: Seranthony Dominguez #58 of the Philadelphia Phillies pitches during the eighth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Citizens Bank Park on May 22, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /
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Seranthony Dominguez is making a solid case to take over as the Philadelphia Phillies’ closer

It’s kind of hard to complain about anything the Philadelphia Phillies are doing these days.

Since the dismissal of former manager Joe Girardi back on June 3rd, the squad has gone on quite an impressive tear, winning nine consecutive games for the first time since 2011.

Unfortunately, there’s one aspect of the roster that could eventually become a problem area for the newly-rejuvenated Phillies.

Corey Knebel, their expensive free-agent addition, has struggled a bit as the Phils’ closer. After spending the 2021 campaign as longtime Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen’s set-up man, taking on that role himself in Philadelphia has been an adjustment for Knebel. Just two months into the 2022 campaign, he’s already blown three saves. And while Knebel leads MLB with 23 games finished, his 3.24 ERA from a few very bad outings is just a bit too high. Could new skipper Rob Thomson insert a more capable alternative into that all-important role for his surging team?

Seranthony Dominguez has been lights out for the Phils pitching staff this season. Over 23 appearances, the hard-throwing right-hander has a sparkling 1.61 ERA more on par with the expectations for a shutdown closer.

While Dominguez has only finished one game this season, he got a taste of the closer role back in his rookie season, and the results were favorable. In 2018, Dominguez finished 24 games, recorded 16 saves, and registered a 2.95 ERA over 53 appearances.

Dominguez wasn’t as effective in 2019, posting a 4.01 ERA in his new role as a middle reliever. Elbow issues and eventual Tommy John surgery then sidelined Dominguez until late in the 2021 season, when he made his return with a single, shutout appearance.

Based on his previous closing experience, there’s no harm in testing Dominguez out in the closer role. Of course, he’s doing so well in his current relief role that Thomson might not want to disrupt him.

At the very least, Dominguez should be considered an option for the job.

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