Philadelphia Phillies Star Reliever Reveals New Approach For Bounce Back Season

The biggest question mark surrounding the Philadelphia Phillies is how their bullpen will perform throughout the long, 162-game regular season and during the playoffs.

Craig Kimbrel departed in free agency to the Baltimore Orioles, so they'll need to replace a closer who was an All-Star, appeared in 78 total games, and recorded 26 saves -- playoffs included.

Their star prospect Orion Kerkering seems poised to take over that role in the future, but it's unsure if he'll be handed the reins in 2024. Jose Alvarado could be the choice, but manager Rob Thomson has discussed their affinity for using him whenever needed and not waiting to deploy him in the ninth inning.

Another player the Phillies will rely on heavily is Seranthony Dominguez.

He's been a staple in Philadelphia's bullpen since coming back from Tommy John surgery fully healthy in 2022.

The right-hander was dominant that year, posting a 3.00 ERA across 54 appearances and 51 innings pitched. His 133 ERA+ was his best since his rookie season in 2018.

But Dominguez took a step back in 2023.

His ERA went up to 3.78, his strikeout numbers were down, and he gave up more hits in less innings of work.

The 29-year-old thinks he's figured out the reason for that and is changing his approach on the mound heading into this year.

"I was at my best when I got ahead in the count ... and when I wasn't trying to be too perfect," Dominguez told Alex Coffey of The Philadelphia Inquirer.

The numbers back that up as an issue he faced, laid out by Coffey below.

"Dominguez was behind in the count in 56 at-bats last season. Hitters hit .214 against him in those at-bats but he also allowed 22 walks over that span. He didn’t allow a walk in the 139 at-bats when he was even counts or ahead in the count."

To get ahead early in the count, he's focusing on thinking less about his delivery and just letting the throwing motion come naturally. He believes this will allow himself to be more free on the mound and attack hitters like he's shown the ability to do in the past.

It seems like that the new approach is working so far.

Through two appearances and two innings pitched in Spring Training, Dominguez has not allowed a single hit, has struck out one batter and hasn't walked anyone.

"This is as good as I've ever seen him, at this time, for sure. He's pitching — he's not being a robot. He's not doing mechanical pitching. He's flowing, there's rhythm," pitching coach Caleb Cotham told Coffey.

If this the version that the Phillies get in 2024, then they'll have another major weapon on their hands that wasn't necessarily present last year.