Wednesday likely marked Spencer Turnbull's final start in the rotation for now, as veteran Taijuan Walker is set to make his return this weekend. Turnbull once again demonstrated his skill, allowing just one earned run on three hits with three walks and a season-high eight strikeouts in a 7-4 loss to the Cincinnati Reds.
In his five starts, Turnbull boasts an impressive 1.33 ERA and has notched 30 strikeouts over 27 innings. While he will transition back to a long relief role in the bullpen, the Phillies can take comfort in knowing they have a reliable arm ready to step in as needed.
Manager Rob Thomson has been vocal about managing Turnbull's workload and protecting his arm, especially considering his injury history and limited innings last year.
Alec Bohm contributed to the Phillies' offensive effort with an RBI single in the first inning and another RBI via a double in the third, giving them a 2-0 lead early in the game. Unfortunately, the bullpen struggled on this occasion, with Seranthony Dominguez, Gregory Soto, Matt Strahm, and Jose Alvarado combining to allow six runs in the loss.
The Phillies and Reds are set to conclude their four-game series on Thursday, featuring Zack Wheeler on the mound for the Phillies against Nick Martinez for the Reds.
Bullpen Trouble
Dominguez has struggled to open the season and those struggles continued on Wednesday night as he walked the first batter he faced before surrendering a double, a single, and another walk. He's surrendered at least one run in five of his 10 appearances this season and was responsible for four runs on Wednesday.
The 29-year-old is carrying a 9.72 ERA to go along with a 1.80 WHIP and a .324 batting average against. The righty pieced together an outstanding 2022 campaign, but failed to match those figure in 2023 when he posted a 3.78 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, and .246 batting average against.
It's early, but the trend for Dominguez isn't promising and that could be a massive point of concern for the Phillies bullpen as the season progresses.
On the Farm
Charlotte 5, Lehigh Valley 3
Max Castillo surrendered four runs on six hits over five innings in the loss. Scott Kingery collected two hits. The IronPigs finished the night 3-for-14 with runners in scoring position.
Reading 4, Somerset 3
Juan Rincones Jr. finished 2-for-4 with a homer and raised his OPS to 1.017 on the season. Jose Rodriguez and Lansdowne's Jim Haley chipped in with two hits. The two pitching staffs combined to issue 19 walks in the contest.
Aberdeen 5, Jersey Shore 4
Leandro Pineda picked up a pair of RBIs while Justin Crawford finished 2-for-3 with a triple two runs scored, and a stolen base.
Clearwater 5, Bradenton 3
A two-run homer by Bryson Ware in the sixth inning proved to be the difference. Micah Otenbreit collected seven strikeouts over 4 2/3 innings.
