The Philadelphia Phillies could be getting a key piece of their bullpen back in the very near future.
Flame-throwing right-hander Jhoan Duran has been on the 15-day IL with an oblique injury that he sustained earlier this month. However, Duran is set to throw a bullpen today for the first time since the injury, per The Athletic’s Matt Gelb.
Dave Dombrowski spoke Tuesday about Duran’s injury and believes that if everything goes to plan, he could be in the pen again as soon as this weekend.
Jhoan Duran’s Importance to the Philadelphia Phillies
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – MARCH 28: Jhoan Duran #59 of the Philadelphia Phillies throws a pitch in the 10th inning during a game against the Texas Rangers at Citizens Bank Park on March 28, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Rangers won 5-4 in 10 innings. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images)
Duran was dominant before going on the shelf. The closer compiled a 1.35 ERA across seven appearances, striking out eight in 6.2 innings of work. The 28-year-old was also a perfect 5-for-5 on save opportunities.
Brad Keller has stepped in as the Phillies’ closer for the time being. When the injury occurred, former manager Rob Thomson, who was fired earlier this week, made it clear that Duran sustained a mild oblique strain and wouldn’t be out very long.
Duran’s last time on the hill for Philadelphia was on April 11. After the injury, Duran explained he felt a slight pull in his side.
It’s nothing strong, something really light,” Duran said earlier this month. “Something pinched me when I did my rotation [trying to throw on Friday]. We said we won’t throw anymore.”
The Phillies need Duran healthy for the long run, so it makes more sense to be cautious with the situation rather than rush the big righty back.
Phillies’ Bullpen Has Struggled
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – APRIL 18: Jose Alvarado #46 of the Philadelphia Phillies delivers a pitch during the seventh inning against the Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park on April 18, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Heather Barry/Getty Images)
Unfortunately, Duran hasn’t had a ton of save opportunities due to Philadelphia’s offensive struggles and an underwhelming bullpen. They’ve compiled a 4.20 ERA as a staff.
Duran is one of the most electrifying closers in the sport, and the Phillies need to do a better job of giving him the chance to shut the door late in games.
Duran was acquired by the Phillies at the trade deadline from the Minnesota Twins last season in exchange for a pair of prospects. He posted a 2.18 ERA after coming over to the City of Brotherly Love, earning 16 saves.
With a fastball that consistently touches triple digits, this is a guy that Philadelphia needs on the mound as much as possible when they’re looking to close things out. He is often unhittable.
The Dominican is eligible to return from the IL as of today. If all goes well with his bullpen, we could see him on the bump again this weekend as the Phillies hit the road for a series with the Miami Marlins.
Phillies Get Massive Injury News on Flame-Throwing Pitcher