“Just kind of electric stuff and the bravado of a seasoned veteran,” manager Gabe Kapler said. “That was awesome.”
Dominquez, 23, could open the season in Double-A Reading. The Phillies plan to move him to the bullpen where he'll likely become a late-inning threat. He struck out 75 batters last season in 621/3 innings at high-A Clearwater.
Dominquez is ranked No. 30 in the Phillies' Top Prospects list, according to MLB Pipeline.
“It doesn’t matter how I do it, I just want to get my job done,” Dominguez said through the team's interpreter. “I’m going to stay locked in and take advantage of my opportunity.”
Did You Notice?
Andrew Knapp led off Thursday's contest, marking the first time a catcher hit in the leadoff spot in franchise history, according to Baseball Reference. He worked a walk in the opening frame and scored the Phillies first run.
An Extra Story
Already ahead as the final frame came to an end, Kapler wanted to extend Thursday's contest by an inning to ensure Brandon Leibrandt was able to pitch an inning and so Zach Green, who came over from minor-league camp for the day, could see some action.
Green homered in his one at-bat in the 10th inning.
“He’ll have that story to tell forever,” Kapler said.
Versatility Training
Infielder Jesmuel Valentin played right field for the Phillies on Thursday. The 23-year-old is vying for a reserve slot on the 25-man roster, so versatility could be what lands him in Philadelphia.
Friday's Lineup
The Phillies open their Grapefruit League schedule with a contest against the Blue Jays in Dunedin. Nick Pivetta will start. Mark Leiter Jr., Frankie Rodriguez, Victor Arano, Hoby Milner and Ricardo Pinto are all also expected to see action.
1. Scott Kingery 2B
2. Maikel Franco 3B
3 Cameron Rupp C
4 Nick Williams RF
5 Will Middlebrooks 1B
6 Pedro Florimon SS
7 Dylan Cozens LF
8 Colin Cowgill CF
9 Matt McBride DH
Showing Support
The Phillies will wear the caps of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School baseball team before Friday's game.
New Era produced more than 2,500 caps for every team and every umpire in the Grapefruit and Cactus Leagues. Teams will auction the worn hats and donate proceeds to the Broward Education Foundation, which established the official Stoneman Douglas Victims Fund. More information can be found at browardedfoundation.org.
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Follow Patrick on Twitter: @PGordonPBR
