Philadelphia Phillies closer Jhoan Duran was carried off the field after suffering an impact to his right ankle during the ninth inning of Friday’s 6-2 victory over the Washington Nationals. The injury occurred when a comebacker off Paul DeJong’s bat, traveling at 94.1 mph, bounced and struck Duran as he tried to field the ball, causing him to limp off the mound.
Initial Tests Show No Fracture; Additional Evaluations Scheduled
Following the game, the Phillies confirmed that X-rays on Duran’s ankle came back negative for any fractures. The team announced that he will undergo further medical testing on Saturday to better understand the extent of the injury and determine his availability moving forward.
Duran’s Impact Since Joining Phillies Has Been Significant
At 27 years old, Jhoan Duran joined Philadelphia after being acquired from the Minnesota Twins just before the July 31 trade deadline. In his roughly two weeks with the Phillies, he has delivered impressive performances, pitching four scoreless innings and recording four strikeouts. Over the entire season, Duran holds a 1.86 ERA and has saved 20 games, pitching in 53 1/3 innings.
High Cost of Acquisition Highlights Duran’s Value to Phillies
To secure Duran, the Phillies traded top catching prospect Eduardo Tait and right-handed pitcher Mick Abel. Though the price was steep, the team views Duran as more than a short-term rental; he remains arbitration-eligible through 2026 and 2027 and is considered one of the best relievers in baseball, offering Philadelphia long-term bullpen stability.
Potential Bullpen Challenges if Duran Misses Time
Losing Duran would present serious challenges, as the Phillies have struggled with their bullpen, especially in closing situations this season. Veteran reliever David Robertson, signed last month and recently added to the active roster, could serve as a replacement closer should Duran be sidelined for an extended period.
Phillies Maintain Strong Hold in NL East Amid Win
Friday’s victory improved Philadelphia’s record to 70-52, extending their lead in the National League East to five and a half games. The team’s ability to preserve leads will be tested further if Duran’s ankle injury requires time to heal.