Game 126 - 2018 Grandstand Reading Fightin Phils Update #38 Seranthony Dominguez

Nationals 8, Phillies 7
Game 126 - Tuesday Night, August 22nd in Washington
Record - 68-58, 2nd place, 3 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  With two outs in the 9th and the Phillies holding a 7-6 lead, Juan Soto doubled and Ryan Zimmerman homered off Seranthony Dominguez to give the Nationals an 8-7 win.

What It Means:  I was going to rank the most painful loses of the season for purposes of this post, but then I decided I didn't want to dwell on that nonsense and I moved on.  "There is no panic," according to Rhys Hoskins.

What Happened:  This was a back and forth game all night and ultimately the Phillies bullpen just couldn't keep the Nationals off the scoreboard.  Zach Eflin suffered one of his worst starts of the year, lasting 3 1/3 innings and allowing five runs (four earned) on 10 hits.  Cesar Hernandez (11), Maikel Franco (21) and Justin Bour (1st with the Phillies) all homered.

The Phillies loaded the bases with one out in the top of the 9th, but Asdrubal Cabrera popped up and Bour struck out to end the threat.

Featured Card:  Dominguez is only 23, and while these losses are painful, it's important to remember that at this point last season he was a starting pitcher for High-A Clearwater.

Transactions:  Yacksel Rios was optioned back to the IronPigs and Eflin was recalled to make the start.

Earlier in the day, the Phillies announced another trade, sending Double-A pitcher Felix Paulino to the White Sox for lefty reliever Luis Avilan.  Pitching prospect Jose Taveras was designated for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster for Avilan.  In 58 games this season with the White Sox, Avilan has a 3.86 ERA and a 14 walks to 46 strikeouts over 39 2/3 innings pitched.

Sharing the fate of most middle relievers, Avilan's baseball card appearances have been scarce in spite of appearing in almost 400 games the past 7 seasons.  His most recent mainstream card is from the 2016 Topps set, picturing Avilan with the Dodgers.

2016 Topps #494

2018 Grandstand Reading Fightin Phils Update #36

2018 Chachi Almost #8

Arrived During the 2018 Season

Trevor Plouffe (4/23/18) - Signed as a minor league free agent, formerly with the Texas Rangers organization.
Asdrubal Cabrera (7/27/18) - Acquired from the New York Mets for Franklyn Kilome.
Wilson Ramos (7/31/18) - Acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays for a player to be named later or cash.
Aaron Loup (7/31/18) - Acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays for Jacob Waguespack.
Justin Bour (8/10/18) - Acquired with cash from the Miami Marlins for McKenzie Mills.
Luis Avilan (8/22/18) - Acquired from the Chicago White Sox for Felix Paulino.

Departed During the 2018 Season
Drew Hutchison (6/5/18) - Designated for assignment and elected free agency.
Hoby Milner (7/15/18) - Sold to the Tampa Bay Rays.
Zac Curtis (7/31/18) - Designated for assingnment and claimed off waivers by the Texas Rangers, 8/7/18.
Jake Thompson (8/14/18) - Traded to the Milwaukee Brewers for cash considerations.