Phillies Finally Get Closer Back

It's been 22 days since the Philadelphia Phillies had their true lock-down man in the bullpen available. They've gone 11-11 in the absence of right-handed closer Seranthony Dominguez. But more telling, they blew five saves during that stretch. This weekend (Sunday, to be exact), they get their main man back.

Rob Thomson said Seranthony Dominguez will be activated from the IL before Sunday's game.
— Todd Zolecki (@ToddZolecki) September 10, 2022

Dominguez hit 98-100 mph during his rehab stint in Lehigh Valley Thursday night. That was all the Phillies and manager Rob Thomson needed to see. He said his closer looked "really good" in a sim game this week as well.

The bullpen struggled to a 4.97 ERA without Domínguez, ranking in the bottom third in all of the major leagues. Not ideal for a team trying to hang on to a Wild Card spot. The Phils, despite the recent rough patch, still hold a 3.5 games edge (four in the loss column) on the Milwaukee Brewers for the final postseason berth.

Nick Nelson, who just picked up his first major league save on Friday, said the bullpen really needs 'Sir Anthony' back.

“We definitely miss him in the ’pen. But, at the same time, we’re still trying to go out there and do the job. When we get him back... he’ll be good.”