The Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Seranthony Dominguez was placed on the 15-day injured list with triceps tendinitis during the game against the New York Mets on Wednesday.
Dominguez has been reported to be unavailable on Saturday after experiencing discomfort while playing catcher earlier that day. According to manager Rob Thomson, he is set to have an MRI scan on Sunday as a precaution.
“We sent him for an X-ray last (Saturday) night just to check for bone chips and stuff like that, and that was clean,” Thomson said.
“Now he’s going to get an MRI today just to see if there’s any structural damage. But we think – we’re hoping – that when his IL time is up, he’s back with us.”
The Phillies have placed RHP Seranthony Dominguez on the 15-day IL (retro to 8/18) with right triceps tendinitis, and have selected the contract of RHP Tyler Cyr from Lehigh Valley (AAA). To make room on the 40-man roster, RHP Corey Knebel has been transferred to the 60-day IL.
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) August 21, 2022
Dominguez’s time with Phillies
The 27-year-old has a 6-4 record with a 1.64 ERA, 11.05 K/9, and nine saves throughout his 46 games. Midway through this season, Dominguez replaced Corey Knebel after the latter was transferred to the 60-day injury list.
He has been a reliable team member at the back end of the Phillies’ bullpen. He returned this season after being absent to recover for more than two years due to elbow injuries and having required to undergo surgery.
“I take it seriously,” Dominguez said. “I have to take care of my arm. It’s the only way I can compete.”
Dominguez’s injury in 2019 forced him to miss the entire 2020 season, in addition to the season itself having to be cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He did not return until the 2021 season finale when he tossed a scoreless sixth inning in the 5-4 defeat against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Throughout the entire 2022 season, Dominguez has always been present for managers Thomson and Joe Girardi. However, his availability in the current four-game home series against the Mets has been concerning. He did not pitch in Game 2 of Saturday’s doubleheader, which prompted a trade deadline to acquire pitcher David Robertson to pitch a save opportunity.
Knebel’s injury
Knebel, 30, was another Phillies player who got injured. He was transferred to the 60-day injury list due to a shoulder injury.
According to Thomson, Knebel has a tear in the capsule of his right shoulder. Knebel was already on the 15-day injured list with a right lat strain. Before his injury, Dominguez replaced him on the field.
Corey Knebel’s season is over. He has a tear in his right shoulder capsule. He’s going to Texas for stem-cell treatment to try to avoid surgery. Brutal.
— Matt Gelb (@MattGelb) August 21, 2022
Regardless, he manages to finish his first season in Philadelphia with a 3-5 record, 3.43 ERA over 44 2/3 innings pitched, and 12 saves in 46 games. Knebel signed with the Phillies in free agency before this season. He signed up for a one-year $10 million contract in December 2022.
Knebel has been reported to frequently go back and forth between performing well and sustaining injuries. Previously in the 2015-2018 seasons, Knebel was able to only throw a total of 39 total innings over the next three seasons after playing against the Milwaukee Brewers, also due to sustaining various injuries.
“It’s really disappointing for us because he was a big part of that bullpen, even though he was pitching in low-leverage situations,” Thomson said regarding Knebel.
“Just his presence out there and the pro that he is and how he took care of the younger guys. He was really good.”
His 44 2/3 innings and 3.43 ERA have been predicted to go down as his final results for the year since he won’t return to the Phillies. Knebel will head to free agency this offseason, but his recovery from the current injury will play a huge factor in his decision for the coming months.