Phillies Place Closer on IL

A bad break for the Philadelphia Phillies, as a red-hot high-leverage reliever has gone on the injured list. 

Phillies backdated Domínguez's IL placement. So, if he spends the minimum 15 days, he could return as soon as Sept. 2. (Same day as Harper?) Phillies face Reds, Pirates, DBacks in next three series.

— Matt Gelb (@MattGelb) August 21, 2022

Seranthony Dominguez had a 1.29 ERA in his last 15 appearances, with three saves in his last seven outings. But triceps soreness has knocked him out of the lineup for a couple of weeks. Based on the IL placement being backdated, he can return as soon as Sept. 2nd (which, as Phillies beat writer Matt Gelb notes, could possibly be the same day as Bryce Harper's return). 

The good news for the Phillies is that they have an extremely easy schedule coming up, facing the weak lineups of the Cincinnati Reds, Pittsburgh Pirates and Arizona Diamondbacks.  

And they're certainly in good hands in the 9th, as David Robertson, who they acquired at the trade deadline from the Chicago Cubs, has been lock-down for the Phillies. He hasn't surrendered a run since coming to Philadelphia, over eight innings. He has a WHIP of 0.88 and three saves over that span.

Photos: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports,