Introduction
Jhoan Duran, the Dominican-born flamethrower, has emerged as a pivotal figure in Major League Baseball’s bullpen landscape. As of August 2025, he serves as the closer for the Philadelphia Phillies, a role he assumed following a midseason trade from the Minnesota Twins. This article delves into Duran’s recent injury scare, his acquisition by the Phillies, and a comprehensive look at his career trajectory.
Injury Update: Right Ankle Impact
On August 15, 2025, during a 6–2 victory over the Washington Nationals, Duran faced a concerning moment. In the ninth inning, he was struck on the right ankle by a 94.1 mph line drive off the bat of Paul DeJong. The impact left Duran in visible pain, and he was unable to put weight on his leg. Medical personnel attended to him on the field, and he was subsequently carted off using the Nationals’ bullpen cart .
Post-game evaluations revealed that X-rays on Duran’s ankle were negative, though further assessments were planned to ascertain the full extent of the injury . Duran expressed that he was feeling better just before being transported off the field.
Phillies Acquire All-Star Closer
Recognizing the need to bolster their bullpen, the Philadelphia Phillies acquired Jhoan Duran from the Minnesota Twins on July 30, 2025, in exchange for prospects Mick Abel and Eduardo Tait . Duran’s arrival was timely, as the Phillies aimed to strengthen their relief pitching for a postseason push.
Since joining the Phillies, Duran has been nothing short of stellar. In his first five appearances, he secured four saves and maintained a perfect ERA, contributing significantly to the team’s bullpen resurgence. His performance has been instrumental in the Phillies’ recent success, including a sweep at Globe Life Field .
Career Overview
Jhoan Manuel Durán was born on January 8, 1998, in Esperanza, Dominican Republic. He began his professional journey by signing with the Arizona Diamondbacks as an international free agent in December 2014. After progressing through various minor league affiliates, Duran made his MLB debut on April 8, 2022, with the Minnesota Twins .ESPN.com+5Wikipedia+5MLB.com+5
Over his four-year MLB career, Duran has established himself as one of the premier closers in the league. As of August 2025, he boasts a 2.42 ERA, 78 saves, and 295 strikeouts across 227 relief appearances. His dominance on the mound is underscored by a fastball that regularly exceeds 100 mph, making him a formidable presence in high-leverage situations.
Impact on the Phillies’ Bullpen
Duran’s acquisition has had a transformative effect on the Phillies’ bullpen. Prior to his arrival, the bullpen was a point of concern for the team. However, since the trade deadline, the bullpen has shown significant improvement, ranking first in WHIP and walk rate, and among the top six in ERA, batting average allowed, strikeout rate, and FIP .
The addition of veteran reliever David Robertson further strengthens the bullpen’s depth. Robertson, with his extensive experience and previous stints with the Phillies, is expected to serve in a setup role, providing additional reliability in late-game situations .
Conclusion
Jhoan Duran’s journey from a promising prospect to an All-Star closer has been marked by determination, skill, and resilience. His recent injury scare serves as a reminder of the physical demands placed on elite athletes. As the Phillies continue their pursuit of postseason success, Duran’s health and performance will be pivotal in their bullpen’s effectiveness. With a strong supporting cast and a renewed sense of confidence, the Phillies’ bullpen, anchored by Duran, appears poised to play a crucial role in the team’s ambitions.
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