The biggest question mark surrounding the Philadelphia Phillies is how their bullpen will fare in the long, 162-game regular season and playoffs. Craig Kimbrel left the Baltimore Orioles in free agency, so they must replace the star who was an All-Star, played in 78 games and recorded 26 saves – including in the playoffs. It looks like their star Orion Kerkering will take the role in the future, but it is uncertain whether he will be given the reins in 2024. Jose Alvarado could be an option but manager Rob Thomson has argued that they are willing to use him at any time. . and I didn’t expect to use him in the ninth inning. Another player the Phillies are leaning heavily on is Seranthony Dominguez. He has been a top option for Philadelphia since returning to full health from Tommy John surgery in 2022. The right-hander has been dominant this year, posting a 3.00 ERA in 54 games and 51 innings. His 133 ERA+ was his best since his rookie season in 2018. But Dominguez took a step back in 2023. His ERA rose to 3.78, his strikeouts dropped and he gave up more hits in fewer innings. The 29-year-old believes he has found out why and is changing his outlook this year. “I was at my best when I was ahead in the count … and when I wasn’t trying to be too perfect,” Dominguez told Alex Coffey of the Philadelphia Inquirer. The numbers back this up as the problem he faces, which Coffey outlines below. “Dominguez struck out 56 batters last season. Hitters hit .214 against him in those at-bats, but he also allowed 22 walks over that one. He didn’t allow 139 hits when he was even in the count or ahead.” To get ahead in the count, he focuses on thinking less about his pitching and letting the hitting flow naturally. He believes that allows him to be more free on the mound. and hitters as he has shown his ability before. and walked none. “It’s as good as I’ve ever seen him, for sure. He throws — he’s not a robot. He doesn’t do mechanical whipping. He flows, there’s rhythm,” pitching coach Caleb Cotham told Coffey. If the Phillies land a version of this in 2024, they will have another major weapon that they may not have had last year. CopyrighSI is a registered trademark of ABG-SI LLC. All rights reserved..
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