The Philadelphia Phillies are on the brink of getting a major reinforcement in their bullpen, and the timing couldn’t be more important.
All-Star closer is nearing a return from the injured list after an eye-opening bullpen session in Miami over the weekend, where his fastball again touched triple digits. The showing was an encouraging sign that the oblique strain which sidelined him earlier this month is no longer an issue.
Philadelphia has shown clear signs of life under interim manager Don Mattingly, winning five of its last six games. That surge includes a pair of walk-off victories against San Francisco and two wins in the first three games of their series against Miami. While the Phillies still sit below .500 at 14–20, the momentum has shifted noticeably in recent days.
Duran has not pitched since April 11, but his brief time on the mound this season highlighted just how valuable he is. In only 6⅔ innings, he allowed just one earned run and converted five save chances. His absence has exposed the bullpen’s vulnerability. Since he went on the injured list, the Phillies are just 7–13, with the relief corps posting a 4.59 ERA, three blown saves, and a 3–5 record in save opportunities.
There is growing belief that Duran may not even need a minor-league rehab assignment before returning. Mattingly suggested the team is discussing whether he can rejoin the major-league roster directly, noting that Duran is not dealing with an arm injury and therefore doesn’t require the same buildup as a starting pitcher.
With Duran already eligible to be activated and throwing 100 mph, there’s a realistic chance he could be back during the upcoming homestand against Oakland and Colorado.
The difference Duran makes is undeniable. After acquiring him from Minnesota in 2025, the Phillies went 35–19 and finally found long-term stability in the ninth inning. That stability has been missing this season.
Brad Keller currently owns the team’s lone save since Duran’s injury, but consistency has been an issue. Keller has surrendered at least one earned run in three of his last four outings and has avoided losses only because the offense rallied late in two of those games.
Even so, the Phillies know firsthand that a slow start doesn’t eliminate championship aspirations. Their starting rotation has been outstanding, posting the best ERA in the National League and the third-best mark in all of baseball. Since late April, the rotation has delivered four quality starts, giving the team a chance to win nearly every night.
Philadelphia has followed this script before. In 2022, the club was well under .500 when Joe Girardi was fired, yet it surged all the way to the World Series before falling in six games.
For a similar turnaround to happen again, Duran must return as the dominant force he’s been since arriving in Philadelphia in exchange for Mick Abel and Eduardo Tait. He has recorded 21 saves in 30 appearances with the Phillies, providing calm and confidence at the end of games.
The Phillies are 7–4 in one-run contests this season, with four of those wins coming before Duran went down. To stay competitive in close games and keep playoff hopes alive, they need their closer back — healthy, confident, and overpowering.
All signs suggest that moment is right around the corner.