Jhoan Duran Hits 100 MPH as Phillies Eye Fast Return

jhoan duran touched 100 miles per hour in a bullpen session on Saturday before the Phillies played the Marlins in Miami, a sharp step forward as he works back from an oblique strain. He has been out since April 11, and Don Mattingly is considering bringing him back without a rehab assignment.

Duran Reaches Triple Digits

The bullpen session gave the Phillies their clearest sign yet that Duran is close to being available again. Mattingly said Duran intentionally ramped up his intensity to gauge how close he is to returning, and he asked, “Well, could you hit him at 100?”

Duran’s season before the injury was short but efficient. He was 1-1 with a 1.35 ERA, eight strikeouts and 6.2 innings before the oblique strain stopped his run on April 11.

Phillies Bullpen Needs Relief

The timing matters because the Phillies’ bullpen has not been sharp while Duran has been out. Relievers have posted a 4.28 ERA, a 1.40 WHIP and have allowed opponents to hit.264 against them.

The club has had just one conventional save opportunity since Duran went down, and Brad Keller handled it Friday night in a 6-5 win over the Marlins. Keller allowed a run in that chance and carries an ERA above 4.50.

Mattingly Weighs the Move

Mattingly said the club will talk about whether Duran needs a rehab assignment, a decision that points directly to how close the closer is to game action. Sunday's 7-4 win over the Marlins was the Phillies' fifth win in six games since Mattingly was named manager for the rest of the season.

For the Phillies, the immediate question is whether Duran’s next appearance comes in a bullpen game or in a rehab stop first. Either way, Saturday’s 100 mph session put a return on the table sooner than it was a week ago.