Overhauling 2019’s Phillies bullpen

Critical pieces:

Based on the success of Dominguez and Neris upon his return, the Phillies have two stoppers from the sixth through the eighth frames. And these fireman proved they can prevent scoring: Neris when he returned and Dominguez when he had arrived. Add a ninth-inning arm?

By moving Neshek and Hunter and picking up a closer, the red pinstripes would have five pen openings. For now, Victor Arano, Adam Morgan and Edubray Ramos would work the lower-leverage frames in the sixth through the eighth. The portsider is Luis Avilan and one of the starters will be the long man.

Entering the last four innings, Neris could reprise the successful role he had after returning from the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs. In 20 outings, he fired 17 2/3 frames with a 2.04 ERA, and he had squelched a third-inning threat from the Boston Red Sox on Aug. 15: the day after his re-activation.

Following his struggles, Dominguez finished his last 12 appearances with a 2.03 ERA for 13 1/3 frames despite one poor performance: When he tried to record the final six outs against the Washington Nationals, he only got five. Basically, he had growing pains during his rough patch after being nearly perfect.

Acquiring a closer and a starter, the Phillies would then have seven rotation pieces unless they deal one or two. So, Jerad Eickhoff or Nick Pivetta could be the long reliever, and the closer will consistently handle the final three outs. For now thought, Kimbrel, Miller and Britton are just a consideration.

While fans are sorting through rumors, Klentak’s biggest signing will probably be the last area covered. The exec could add a southpaw starter or pick up a closer before that. Basically, what is the GM’s approach? All-in!