Jhoan Duran Injury Update
Jhoan Duran, the Phillies’ electric new closer, was carted off the field at Nationals Park on August 15 after a line drive struck his right ankle in the ninth inning against the Nationals. His X-rays came back negative, and further evaluation was scheduled for the next day, so Phillies fans everywhere could exhale at least a little bit. Phillies Tailgate (@PhilsTailgate) reported on Twitter that X-rays on Jhoan Duran came back negative, according to the Phillies. The team noted that he will undergo further evaluation tomorrow.
Watching Duran try to put weight on his leg, arm draped around a trainer, made you feel all the suspense in the stadium. Not your everyday finish to a ballgame, especially with the crowd waiting for the postgame concert and the relief pitcher stranded on the warning track.
How Did Jhoan Duran's Injury Happen?
It happened in a flash. With a 6-2 lead, Duran came in during the ninth, ready to close things out. Paul DeJong of the Nationals sent a one-hopper shooting right at Duran, 94.1 mph off the bat, and it cracked his ankle as he tried to retrieve the ball near the first base line. Josh Reynolds (@JoshReynolds24) shared on Twitter that he is counting his blessings after learning X-rays on Jhoan Duran came back negative following a liner off his ankle.
Duran sprinted to make the play, but the adrenaline faded quickly, and he started hobbling, unable to put pressure on his leg. Trainers from both teams rushed over while the stadium did that quiet, anxious shuffle you know, when thousands of people are whispering, “Is he okay?” Phillies manager Rob Thomson decided to call the bullpen cart, especially given all the steps up from field level.
At 240 pounds, nobody wanted Duran climbing stairs right then. He said he felt a bit better and could walk, but they played it safe.
When Did Jhoan Duran Return?
As of the end of Friday’s game, Duran’s X-rays were negative, which is honestly the best kind of “update” you can hope for after that kind of scare. The team was planning further tests for Saturday to make sure there’s no lingering damage before letting him back in.
For now, the bullpen relies on veteran David Robertson, who finished out the game after replacing Duran. Everybody, players and fans, knows how much Philly needs Duran healthy for the stretch run, especially after trading away prospects to get him.
Phillies insiders and stars like Bryce Harper expressed hope that Duran’s injury is nothing long-term, and that he’ll be back soon, chasing saves and throwing heat like those first few scoreless innings with the club. Keep your fingers crossed.
