Domínguez At the trade deadline, the Baltimore Orioles acquired Seranthony Domínguez, who was struggling. However, he has now become a reliable piece for them. Prior to the trade deadline, the Orioles had multiple holes to fill in their bullpen. Offseason acquisition Craig Kimbrel had been underwhelming, and injuries ravished the Orioles. The Orioles addressed these issues in many ways, including trading for the right-hander from the Phillies. Despite Domínguez’s 4.75 ERA with Philadelphia being less than ideal, his positive track record was enough for the Orioles to give him a chance. Domínguez has excelled with his new team, and last night against the Nationals, he came in as the closer. The Orioles have not been able to find a consistent closer this season, but Domínguez might be the answer.
Seranthony Domínguez’s Sucess in Baltimore
During his half a month in Baltimore, Seranthony Domínguez has made quite the impression. He has pitched in 9 games and has thrown 9 innings total. Also, Domínguez has allowed just 1 run, equalling a 1.00 ERA. Plus, he has struck out 10 batters so far while walking just 3.
Seranthony Domínguez as an Oriole:
– 9 IP
– 1.00 ERA
– 10.1 K/9
– 2 SV
– 0.78 WHIP
– .133 OPP. BACLOSER
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But most importantly, Domínguez has collected 2 saves, with more to come. Orioles manager Brandon Hyde noted postgame that Domínguez “has been doing a really nice job,” for the Orioles. That level of pitching has not been a given for the Orioles this season. But having him come in and continuously deliver shutdown innings has been extremely important. Especially because the Orioles have been struggling, but finding a reliable late-game pitcher can be a huge reason they turn it around.
The Importance of Domínguez’s Success
Currently, the Orioles are in a battle with the Yankees for the top spot in the American League East. Both teams have had big-time struggles in the second half, but the Yankees may be close to turning things around, while the Orioles don’t seem to be. One step toward the Orioles getting on track would be finding a consistent closer. Domínguez fits the bill and has already begun to step into that role.
One trait all World Series teams have is a shutdown closer. Last year, the Rangers had Jose Leclerc, and the year prior the Astros relied on Ryan Pressley. While the Orioles make a push for the postseason, he is becoming an elite closer would fill a missing puzzle piece.
The Orioles Bullpen Moving Forward
As they begin the stretch run, the Orioles bullpen should look quite different than it began. Guys like Craig Kimbrel, Jacob Webb, although currently on the IL, and Burch Smith should be pitching the middle innings. Yennier Cano and Cionel Pérez should assume the setup roles, as they have been reliable. And as aforementioned, Seranthony Domínguez should be the closer. Other guys will move in and out of the bullpen, but that core 6 should be set in stone. One big piece the Orioles will be getting back soon is Danny Couloumbe, who can pitch in high-leverage spots.
The final say will obviously come from Brandon Hyde. However, for guys like Kimbrel or Gregory Soto, he needs to focus on their poor pitching this season, not their impressive track record. Domínguez has been the best reliever for the Orioles over the last few weeks and deserves to assume the closer role because of it. Things are subject to change due to a variety of things, but for now, the Orioles have their closer in Domínguez.
Main Photo: © David Dermer-USA TODAY Sports
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