The Philadelphia Phillies announced on April 18 that closer Jhoan Duran has been placed on the 15-day injured list due to a mild strained left oblique. The move is retroactive to Wednesday, and right-hander Seth Johnson has been recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to fill Duran’s roster spot.
Duran has not pitched since April 11. Phillies 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 game against the Braves. “Something pinched me when I did my rotation [trying to throw on Friday]. We said we won’t throw anymore.”
Thomson did not provide a specific timetable for Duran’s return but noted he could be activated as early as April 30. “It’s not going to be long, but I can’t hold you to that,” Thomson said. The team had planned for Duran to pitch in Wednesday night’s loss against the Cubs, but he reported discomfort in his side and received treatment after the game.
Duran underwent medical imaging Saturday morning and described this injury as less severe than his earlier Grade 2 right oblique strain that kept him out for over a month at the start of the season. “This time, it’s not that bad,” he said.
Duran, who was acquired last July from the Twins before the Trade Deadline, is currently 1-1 with five saves in seven appearances this season and has posted a 1.98 ERA across his time with Philadelphia.
The Phillies have played home games at Citizens Bank Park since 2004, according to their official website. As one of Major League Baseball’s National League charter members, they represent Philadelphia locally and nationally through games and community outreach according to their official website. The club is overseen by executives including its chief executive officer and general manager according to their official website. The franchise has achieved World Series victories in both 1980 and 2008 according to their official website.
