Phillies closer Jhoan Duran is making progress in his injury recovery as he looks to return to the team after being sidelined.
When Philadelphia Phillies closer Jhoan Duran landed on the IL with an oblique injury, it left a major void in the bullpen. But now he has taken a crucial step in his injury recovery, according to Phillies beat writer Matt Gelb.
“Jhoan Duran (oblique) is throwing a bullpen session for the first time since his injury. He's been on IL for 16 days. Phillies are optimistic about his progress,” Gelb wrote on X.
Before his injury, Duran was on a tear and was 1-1 with a 1.35 ERA and five saves, shutting the door down in all his appearances. Since then, the Phillies have struggled to close all games, and it has not been easy. Overall, the bullpen has not been good, ranking 19th in team ERA with two combined blown saves. It has largely contributed to their 10-19 start.
With the Phillies already 11 games behind the Atlanta Braves for first in the NL East, this is huge news as they attempt to claw their way back up. Currently, they have gone 2-111 in their past 13 games, including a 10-game losing streak.
Duran has been a stellar closer for the Phillies and Minnesota Twins over the years. Last season, he went 6-4 with a 2.01 ERA and 16 saves in 18 chances with the Twins. Additionally, he went 1-2 with a 2.18 ERA and 16 saves in 19 chances after being traded to the Phillies. If the Phillies hope to bounce back from their bad start, they will need their top reliever back at full health. Until then, they will monitor his recovery progress.
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