Austin Hays As the MLB trade deadline approached this season, the Philadelphia Phillies were intent on enhancing their bullpen to better position themselves for the latter part of the season and the playoffs. They succeeded in bolstering their relief corps, but an interesting development has occurred: one of their former bullpen members seems to have experienced a significant turnaround after leaving Philadelphia.
Seranthony Domínguez, a right-handed pitcher who was traded on July 26 along with Cristian Pache in exchange for outfielder Austin Hays, has revitalized his career in the Baltimore Orioles bullpen.
Domínguez, who had a rollercoaster season with the Phillies, appears to have transformed into a different pitcher since joining the Orioles. He has performed so impressively that he has recently taken over the closing duties for Baltimore. Although he managed to record one save with the Phillies this season, he was far from being a primary closer in Philadelphia’s bullpen.
Domínguez’s debut with the Orioles was somewhat problematic, as he threw a fastball that ended up going well beyond the home plate netting at Camden Yards. However, this rough start was quickly overshadowed by his subsequent performances.
After moving to Baltimore, the Dominican pitcher saw a notable increase in his velocity. On August 7, he achieved a season-high of 99.6 mph with his four-seam fastball, and just two days later, he reached a season-high of 99.8 mph with his sinker.
With another former Phillies reliever, Craig Kimbrel, struggling throughout the season, Orioles manager Brandon Hyde has relied on Domínguez to close games. Over the past week, Domínguez has successfully closed out two games, earning back-to-back saves without giving up a hit, while recording a walk and a strikeout in each appearance.
Hyde praised Domínguez’s performance, noting his impressive velocity and effectiveness. “I saw 99 and a slider,” Hyde commented after Domínguez’s second save, as reported by The Baltimore Banner’s Kyle Goon. “He’s been handling the end of the game for us while we work to get Craig going, but he’s been doing a really good job since we acquired him.”
In his nine appearances with the Orioles, Domínguez has posted a remarkable 1.00 ERA and 0.78 WHIP, having allowed just one run on four hits, with 10 strikeouts and three walks. This performance stands in stark contrast to his 4.75 ERA and 1.22 WHIP during his 36 innings with the Phillies.
Domínguez has expressed his comfort and readiness to return to a closing role if needed. According to Andy Kostka of The Baltimore Banner, Domínguez revealed his confidence in his abilities, stating, “I feel good in that role, if someday I go back to that role. I think I can do my job, because I know myself, I believe in myself and I can tell you, I’m happy to be here and happy to compete.”
He secured his first save for the Orioles shortly after making these remarks.
With the Orioles positioned as one of the top teams in the American League and likely headed for the postseason, there is a possibility that the Phillies could face Domínguez in the playoffs, should both teams advance to the World Series. If that scenario unfolds, it will be intriguing to see whether Domínguez continues to excel in his closing role come October.
