Seranthony Dominguez has “Tightness” That is Worrisome

The return of Phillies closer of old Seranthony Dominguez has been one of the big stories of the 2022 season.  Lost to "Tommy John" surgery in 2019, the Phillies had nothing to show from Dominguez in 2020 and 2021.  His 2022 season would be a bonus, if anything.  And then he became a dominant relief arm once again.

But now there is concern.

Newly-acquired David Robertson came on for the Phillies in the eighth inning of Saturday night's victory over the New York Mets.  That was expected.  But not expected: Dominguez did not come in to pitch the ninth.  "Where's Seranthony?" was the natural response.

Robertson closed it out.  But there is reason for concern.

Dominguez reported "tightness" in his throwing arm on Saturday.  Dominguez took the loss on Wednesday in Cincinnati, entering in a tied game in the ninth.  He did not look the same on Wednesday.  After Thursday off and Friday off, Dominguez could not help Saturday.

Dominguez expressed his worry Saturday (via Jim Salisbury of NBC Sports Philadelphia):

“Yeah, I feel really worried about it because it’s my arm,” he said. “Everything, I take it seriously because I’ve got to take care of my arm. It’s the only way that I can compete.”

Worry is important, as the Phillies would need a reliable bullpen ace to lead the team into the playoffs.

The acquisition of Robertson makes the worry much less.  But the Phillies have also lost Corey Knebel, who allowed runs in just one appearance in July and August combined.  There is no timetable for Knebel's return.

And now the Phillies must see what is up with Dominguez.  With just six weeks left in the regular season, there is little wiggle room.  Hopefully Robertson and the likes of Connor Brogdon can pick up where Dominguez left off.

But this news is concerning.

The Phillies currently lead the San Diego Padres in the second wild card spot by half a game.  The Milwaukee Brewers are 2.5 games behind the Phillies, and 2.0 games out of a Wild Card altogether.