Domínguez has given up four homers and nine runs in his three innings this spring. The Orioles picked up his $8 million option for 2025 even though he wasn’t particularly impressive in amassing a 3.97 ERA in 22 2/3 innings for the club after arriving from the Phillies last season. He surrendered six homers during that span and 12 in 58 2/3 innings overall. At least he shouldn’t be needed to close again.

Domínguez came to the Orioles in a deadline trade with the Phillies and pitched to a 3.97 ERA and 28:9 K:BB over 22 2/3 innings while getting 10 saves for Baltimore. With Felix Bautista set to return in 2025, Domínguez will likely take on a set-up role for the Orioles.

The 29-year-old was tasked with preserving a 3-2 lead in the ninth inning, but he walked two batters and allowed a weird, long bloop single to the outfield to suffer the blown save. Gregory Soto would come on and get the Orioles out of the jam, but Domínguez now has a 4.37 ERA on the season. After Craig Kimbrel was designated for assignment on Wednesday, the Orioles have tons of questions to answer about their bullpen performance.

Domínguez was pitching for the first time since Friday. He’s being treated strictly as a closer at the moment, and his last six appearances have all turned into saves. Nine of his 10 saves on the year have come since the Orioles acquired him from the Phillies in late July.