Philadelphia Phillies: Bad news for Corey Knebel, Seranthony Domínguez
As if the 10-9 loss — and subsequent 3-1 series loss —against the New York Mets wasn’t bad enough for the Philadelphia Phillies, the team received troubling news regarding two of their top bullpen arms.
Closer-committee member Seranthony Domínguez was moved to the 15-day IL with triceps soreness, while right-hander Corey Knebel has been transferred to the 60-day IL with a shoulder capsule tear, ending the latter’s season.
Both of these injuries are tough blows for a Phillies team still pursuing their first playoff berth since 2011. Domínguez and Knebel had each played significant roles in a Philadelphia bullpen that had looked much improved over recent months. This is surely an inopportune time for these injuries though the team clearly has no choice but to push on in their absence.
The Philadelphia Phillies will be without relievers Knebel and Domínguez.
After signing with the Phillies in free agency this past offseason, Corey Knebel overcame initial struggles to become a reliable arm and, more importantly, a leader in the pen for Rob Thomson and the club. Losing him will be no trivial matter. The same can be said for Seranthony Domínguez, who was in the midst of a fantastic bounce-back campaign after failing to pitch meaningful innings since 2019 due to a UCL injury.
This is yet another trial to face for a team who has dealt with more than their fair share of struggles this season. They have gone through significant portions of the season without Bryce Harper, Jean Segura, and starter Zach Eflin. Having also dealt with nagging injuries to Kyle Schwarber, Brandon Marsh, and more, the Philadelphia Phillies are undoubtedly frustrated with how the injury bug has bitten them.
While Seranthony Domínguez is expected to return this season — Philadelphia is hopeful for 10 more days of recovery — the same cannot be said for Corey Knebel, who possibly has played his last game in Phillies’ pinstripes. Knebel signed a one-year, $10 million contract this past offseason, meaning he’ll be heading for free agency once healthy.
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The Philadelphia Phillies will almost certainly bring up right-hander Mark Appel at some point to bolster the bullpen and could perhaps look to bring back prospect Francisco Morales if Tyler Cyr has many more outings as he did against the Mets.