The Wild Card-hopeful Philadelphia Phillies may get some bullpen help soon.
Amid their chase for a spot in the postseason, the Philadelphia Phillies are hoping to get some bullpen support in the near future.
The Phillies lost key relievers due to injuries in recent weeks, including Corey Knebel — who will miss the rest of the season with a shoulder tear. The team also lost Seranthony Domínguez due to triceps soreness.
Fortunately, the Phillies may get Domínguez back in time for the stretch run. The right-hander pitched one inning in a rehab appearance at Triple-A Lehigh Valley Thursday night. Control was a bit of an issue to begin the inning — as he walked the first two batters he faced. But, Domínguez pitched out of trouble, striking out the next batter and inducing a double play to end the inning. Overall, he threw 15 pitches.
The Phillies also hope to get fellow right-hander Zach Eflin back in time to make an impact and help a thinly stretched bullpen. He will make a rehab start for Lehigh Valley on Friday. It is expected that Eflin will assume a bullpen role when and if he rejoins the Phillies bullpen — since he will not have enough time to get his arm stretched out to be an effective starter.
Zach Eflin and Seranthony Dominguez getting some action this afternoon 👏 pic.twitter.com/3ZYRFgrZGi
— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) September 6, 2022
The Phillies could also bring up the team’s No.4-ranked prospect Griff McGarry, who made his Triple-A debut earlier this week. Although McGarry struggled at first — giving up three earned runs — he settled in and struck out two opposing hitters in two innings. The Phillies will be curious to see how he adjusts in his next appearance.
It would be incredibly helpful for the Phils to get some bullpen reinforcements. Adding any combination of Domínguez, Eflin, and McGarry would be a huge boost to their depleted bullpen. Connor Brogdon has struggled of late — posting a 4.76 ERA over 5 2/3 innings in the last week. David Robertson has shown signs of tiredness because of the workload he has taken on with the recent absence of Domínguez and Knebel.
Interim Manager Rob Thomson’s bullpen will be a key part of the team’s success moving forward, as they hope to reach the postseason for the first time since 2011.