The Philadelphia Phillies placed closer Jhoan Duran on the 15-day injured list with a mild left oblique strain, the team announced on April 18. The move is retroactive to Wednesday, and right-hander Seth Johnson has been recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to fill his roster spot.
Duran’s absence comes at a challenging time for the Phillies, who have not used him in a game since April 11. Manager Rob Thomson said Brad Keller will take over most ninth-inning save opportunities while Duran recovers. “It’s nothing strong, something really light,” Duran said Saturday at Citizens Bank Park before the team’s game against the Braves. “Something pinched me when I did my rotation [trying to throw on Friday]. We said we won’t throw anymore.”
There is no set timetable for Duran’s return, but he is eligible for activation as early as April 30. Thomson said, “It’s not going to be long, but I can’t hold you to that.” According to Thomson, Duran was originally scheduled to pitch during Wednesday night’s loss against the Cubs but reported discomfort in his side and received treatment after the game. After feeling fine Thursday, he tried throwing lightly before Friday’s series opener and felt some discomfort again.
Medical imaging was conducted Saturday morning to assess the injury further. This marks Duran’s second stint on the injured list this season; he began 2024 sidelined with a Grade 2 strained right oblique that kept him out for more than a month. Despite these setbacks, Duran has posted one win and one loss with five saves in seven appearances this season and holds an earned run average of 1.98 across his time with Philadelphia since being acquired last July.
The Phillies are recognized as charter members of Major League Baseball’s National League according to their official website. They play home games at Citizens Bank Park—a stadium they have used since 2004—and serve fans locally and nationally through games and community outreach according to their official website. The franchise achieved World Series victories in both 1980 and 2008 according to their official website.
The club’s front office includes executives such as its chief executive officer and general manager who oversee operations according to their official website. As part of Major League Baseball’s National League representation from Philadelphia, they engage fans regionally and beyond according to their official website.
