Phillies’ Seranthony Domínguez believes a mechanical flaw is to blame for recent struggles

Seranthony Domínguez stood on a bullpen mound and mimicked his supply with out throwing a ball. It was once a few hours earlier than the Phillies performed Thursday evening, and Domínguez was once looking out for one thing.

“Physically I feel good right now,” he mentioned later whilst sitting at his locker. “My arm’s good. Velocity’s good. But something’s wrong.”

The effects say as a lot. Domínguez has made 4 appearances since coming back from a 3½-week absence due to triceps tendinitis. The first two have been simple, breezy — six batters up, six down. The final two have been teach wrecks — 8 runs on 5 hits, together with two house runs, 4 walks, 13 batters confronted, 3 outs recorded.

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Domínguez’s arm power turns out to be sound. His sinker averaged 98.5 mph Wednesday evening, together with a 99.3 sizzler that Toronto’s Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit for a three-run homer within the 8th inning.

The Phillies consider the problems stem from a small mechanical flaw. As Domínguez defined it, his arm is also “a little late” in relation to the remainder of his frame, affecting his command. Only 25 of his final 53 pitches were moves. Maybe it’ll be a very simple repair.

But there’s additionally no ignoring the truth that Domínguez has thrown 47, most commonly in high-leverage scenarios, after scarcely pitching the final two seasons whilst getting better from Tommy John elbow surgical procedure. Might he merely be hitting a wall?

“It could be that,” period in-between supervisor Rob Thomson mentioned. “It could be the fact that he has had [four] outings since he’s been back, so he might be just a little bit rusty. But it’s command. It’s being able to throw a slider in the right spot.”

Thomson mentioned the Phillies most likely will start the use of Zach Eflin in late-inning scenarios to alleviate the burden on Domínguez and David Robertson, in particular. A starter all over his profession, Eflin got here again this month after lacking two months with correct knee ache.

“I’m not afraid to use him in any situation,” mentioned Thomson, who believes Eflin might adapt neatly sufficient to being a reliever to in the end pitch on back-to-back days. “The state of the game doesn’t bother him. That’s what really gives me confidence.”

Regardless, the Phillies want their aid ace to soar again earlier than the top of the season. Even after the final two outings, Domínguez has a 2.87 ERA and a 30.3% strikeout charge.

“It’s tough,” Domínguez mentioned. “The team needs me right now. I’m just working on some mechanical things and trying to figure it out.”

In a pregame rite, the Phillies introduced first baseman Darick Hall and right-hander Andrew Painter with the Paul Owens Award, given every year to the group’s most sensible minor league participant and pitcher.

Hall couldn’t attend as a result of he was once enjoying at triple A, which raised the query: Why is Hall nonetheless enjoying in triple A?

During Bryce Harper’s two-month absence with a damaged thumb, Hall hit 9 homers and slugged .550. But he hasn’t been referred to as again up in September, although the roster expanded to 28 avid gamers, since the Phillies need him to stay getting common at-bats. Donny Sands, who were given referred to as up as an alternative, hasn’t had a plate look since Sept. 3.

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“It’s just a matter of, where’s he going to play, where’s he going to get at-bats, other than pinch-hit at-bats?” Thomson mentioned of Hall. “I’d rather see Darick get consistent at-bats in case somebody goes down, then we can just put him right in.”

Thomson didn’t rule out placing Hall at the postseason roster as a left-handed pinch-hitter, particularly since the triple-A season might be over by way of then.

Hall had 27 homers and a .546 slugging proportion in 414 plate appearances in triple A via Wednesday.

Braves famous person Ronald Acuña Jr. was once scratched with again tightness. … After throwing 58 pitches Wednesday evening in his go back to the rotation after a monthlong absence, Zack Wheeler may have his pitch rely greater by way of about 15 to 20 pitches for his subsequent get started, scheduled for Tuesday evening in Chicago. … The Phillies venerated house scout Zach Friedman with the yearly Dallas Green Award and low-A Clearwater supervisor Marty Malloy with the John Vukovich Award. … Aaron Nola (9-12, 3.38 ERA) will get started Friday evening towards Braves right-hander Jake Odorizzi (5-5, 4.04).