Help is coming to the Phillies bullpen.
Closer Seranthony Dominguez will be active off the injured list ahead of Sunday’s game against the Washington Nationals, manager Rob Thomson said after Friday night’s game.
Dominguez hasn’t pitched in a major since August 17th. A few days later he was placed on injured reserve with right triceps tendinitis.
Dominguez pitched an inning at Minor League Rehab in the Triple-A Lehigh Valley Thursday night. His fastball reached 100 mph.
While Dominguez was down, David Robertson handled much of the closing duties for the Phillies. Robertson has been struggling lately and is showing signs of fatigue. Dominguez’s return will be a boost, as the entire Phillies bullpen has taken a heavy toll lately. The right arm has an ERA of 1.64 and 9 saves in 46 games this season. He allowed only 26 hits in his 44 innings as he struck out 54.
Dominguez is just one pitcher who could return to action next week. Zac Eflin pitched his second inning into the Lehigh Valley Friday night when he gave up a solo home run and struck out. He’ll probably need at least one more outing in the minors, but he could be back to help out of the bullpen soon. I haven’t pitched with
Zach Wheeler will be doing a light bullpen session on Saturday. That will be followed by another early next week. If all goes well, he could play later next week.