PHILADELPHIA — Whit Merrifield didn’t miss a game in the 2019, 2020 or 2021 seasons. Even being traded in 2022 and finding a new home in Toronto in 2023, he made at least 550 plate appearances each season.
So, manager Rob Thomson said Monday, it’s not a surprise to him that Merrifield has taken time to adapt to the superutility role the Phillies have cast him into. And that might have something to do with the 35-year-old starting the season with a .120 batting average.
Merrifield got the start Monday in the series opener against the Rockies, his 10th of the season. It was in part to give Alec Bohm a day off, but also to try and get the three-time All-Star with the .120 slugging percentage looking like something close to a three-time All-Star again.
“I think it’s taken a toll on the quality of his at-bats not playing every day,” Thomson said. “But he’ll get it going.”
Thomson hasn’t yet offered his counsel to Merrifield, saying that guys have to figure out a new routine on their own. That may include more work on the side on days he’s not playing or more time spent in the cage to stay sharp. But it is undeniably different being in the rhythm of playing every day than being a spot starter.
For now, Thomson is giving the veteran the space to figure out what works for him.
“It’s a process,” Thomson said. “You’ve got to prepare a little bit different.”
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Seranthony Dominguez entered Monday’s game second on the Phillies in home runs allowed. Considering the three homers have been conceded in nine innings, that’s cause for concern. Though not for Thomson just yet.
All three homers allowed, including to the Pirates’ Joey Bart on Sunday, have come off Dominguez’s slider, which he has thrown 34 times this young season. He allowed just two home runs on 238 sliders in 2023 and four on 203 sliders in 2022.
Thomson believes it’s only a matter of time until Dominguez gets a little luck on his out pitch.
“I think the slider’s been really good,” he said. “It just seems like every time he throws one in the middle of plate, instead of getting fouled off, it’s getting barreled up. I’m sure that will change, too, but I really like his stuff.”
Ostensibly, the Phillies have an extra high-leverage righty in the bullpen now that Orion Kerkering is back. If Dominguez were to continue to struggle, the Phillies could cement Jeff Hoffman as their highest-leverage righty, then slip Kerkering into Hoffman’s role while Dominguez adjusts.
But Thomson stamped out that notion before it could get started.
“I’m right there with him,” Thomson said. “He’s back. I really have a lot of confidence in him.”
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NOTES >> Taijuan Walker (shoulder) will make the next start in his rehab assignment on Tuesday night in Clearwater. Thomson said he’s cleared for up to five innings or 80 pitches. … Luis Ortiz (ankle) will throw batting practice Tuesday in Clearwater. He progressed through a bullpen session Saturday. With Ricardo Pinto having given up runs in three of four outings and toting an ERA of 7.00, Ortiz will be welcomed back with open arms. Dylan Covey (shoulder) is playing long toss. Michael Rucker (finger) has progressed to playing catch.
