Phillies Fear Seranthony Dominguez May Need Tommy John Surgery After MRI Reveals UCL Damage

The Philadelphia Phillies bullpen has already been ravaged with injury, as six of their relievers are on the shelf. But things just got worse in Philly following the latest news.

Hard-throwing righty reliever Seranthony Dominguez left Wednesday's game with an elbow injury, and after undergoing an MRI, it revealed ligament damage to his UCL. As baseball fans all know, any injury involving the UCL is a pitcher's worst nightmare, as it signals they may require Tommy John surgery. Dominguez will have a second opinion before that decision is made.

Dominguez hasn't been as consistent this season as he was in 2018, but he is definitely one of Philadelphia's best relievers who can't afford to be missed for long. In 27 appearances, the 24-year-old owns a 4.01 ERA and has 29 strikeouts over 24.2 innings.

He stepped in as the Phillies closer last season, where he collected 16 saves and posted a 2.95 ERA with an 11.5 K/9 across 58.0 innings pitched.

The organization has placed Dominguez on the 10-day injured list with the UCL injury for now, while also optioning right-hander Yacksel Ríos to Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

Among the several roster moves the Phillies made Friday, right-handed pitcher Zach Eflin has been reinstated form the injured list, and left-handed pitcher Ranger Suarez has been recalled form Triple-A.

With the plethora of ailments plaguing the Phils' bullpen, the team may be kicking itself for not having been more aggressive in its pursuit of coveted closer, and the newest member of the Chicago Cubs, Craig Kimbrel.