The Phillies received another unwelcome injury development, as news emerged today that reliever Seranthony Dominguez has an injury to his ulnar collateral ligament. MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki was among those to cover the announcement from GM Matt Klentak. (Twitter link.)
Ligament damage was said not to be a concern when Dominguez departed his most recent outing, but that optimistic assessment obviously changed after examination. A treatment course has yet to be determined, but Tommy John surgery is under consideration. Dominguez will receive a second opinion before deciding how to proceed.
That’s rough news for the Phils and the 24-year-old hurler. Even if he’s able to avoid surgery, Dominguez will surely require a lengthy rehab process. He has worked to a 3.27 ERA with 11.2 K/9 and 3.7 BB/9 over 82 2/3 total MLB innings since breaking into the big leagues last year.
Filling the void for the time being is lefty Ranger Suarez, who was recalled. He’ll be joined on the active roster by starter Zach Eflin. Reliever Yacksiel Rios was optioned to create another roster spot.
There was at least some positive reliever health news as well. Klentak says that the club anticipates returns later this month from a few of its injured hurlers. (Via Scott Lauber of the Philadelphia Inquirer, on Twitter.) The Phils expect Edubray Ramos, Adam Morgan, Pat Neshek, and Tommy Hunter to be back within the next three weeks or so, with David Robertson following behind them.