Phillies interim manager Don Mattingly said on May 4 that closer Jhoan Duran is expected to return to the bullpen for Tuesday night’s game against the Athletics at Citizens Bank Park.
Duran has been on the 15-day injured list since April 11 due to a strained left oblique. Mattingly said before Monday’s game against the Marlins that while Duran could have been activated earlier, the team decided to give him another day after he reached 100 mph in a bullpen session on Saturday. “Could you hit him at 100? I don’t know,” Mattingly said.
Duran and Mattingly both agreed that no rehab assignment was necessary ahead of his return. Before his injury, Duran recorded a 1-1 record with a 1.35 earned run average and five saves in seven appearances for Philadelphia. Since his absence, the Phillies’ bullpen has posted a collective earned run average of 4.59, and there has only been one ninth-inning save opportunity.
The Phillies play their home games at Citizens Bank Park, which has served as their stadium since 2004 according to the official website. The team is recognized as a charter member of Major League Baseball’s National League according to the official website and represents Philadelphia both regionally and nationally according to the official website.
The organization’s front office includes executives such as its chief executive officer and general manager who oversee operations according to the official website. The Phillies also engage with fans through games and community outreach efforts according to the official website. In franchise history, Philadelphia won World Series titles in both 1980 and 2008 according to the official website.
As Duran prepares for his return without needing additional rehabilitation time, observers will be watching how his presence impacts future save opportunities for Philadelphia.
