Who is replacing Jhoan Duran as closer?
The Phillies may use a closer-by-committee approach, with Jose Alvarado, Brad Keller, Orion Kerkering, or Tanner Banks as potential options.
Yanuki
ARTICLE DETAIL
Phillies Place Jhoan Duran on Injured List with Oblique Strain | Yankees Adjust Aaron Judge Role Amid Lineup Changes | Red Sox Eye Blockbuster Trade for Yordan Alvarez to Fuel Offense | JJ Wetherholt’s Little League Grand Slam Lifts Cardinals Over Padres | Pirates Recall Nick Yorke, Jake Mangum Placed on Injured List | Blake Snell Set for Dodgers Debut as Tyler Glasnow Lands on IL | JJ Wetherholt's Little League Grand Slam: Cardinals vs. Padres | JJ Wetherholt's Little League Grand Slam Highlights Cardinals vs. Padres Game | Jose Azocar Elects Free Agency After Braves Release | Phillies Place Jhoan Duran on Injured List with Oblique Strain | Yankees Adjust Aaron Judge Role Amid Lineup Changes | Red Sox Eye Blockbuster Trade for Yordan Alvarez to Fuel Offense | JJ Wetherholt’s Little League Grand Slam Lifts Cardinals Over Padres | Pirates Recall Nick Yorke, Jake Mangum Placed on Injured List | Blake Snell Set for Dodgers Debut as Tyler Glasnow Lands on IL | JJ Wetherholt's Little League Grand Slam: Cardinals vs. Padres | JJ Wetherholt's Little League Grand Slam Highlights Cardinals vs. Padres Game | Jose Azocar Elects Free Agency After Braves Release
MLB / Transactions
Phillies Place Jhoan Duran on Injured List with Oblique Strain
Phillies closer Jhoan Duran has been placed on the 15-day injured list due to a left oblique strain. This move is retroactive to April 15, 2026. The Phillies have made several roster moves to compensate for Duran's absence.
Key Insights
- Jhoan Duran, the Phillies' closer, is on the 15-day IL with a left oblique strain, retroactive to April 15.
- Duran has been a key part of the Phillies' bullpen, posting a 1.35 ERA and five saves in seven games.
- The Phillies have recalled RHP Seth Johnson and selected the contract of IF/OF Felix Reyes from Triple-A Lehigh Valley.
- IF/OF Otto Kemp has been optioned to Triple-A, and OF Pedro León has been released.
- Possible replacements for Duran include Jose Alvarado, Brad Keller, Orion Kerkering, or Tanner Banks, as the Phillies may explore a closer committee.
- Felix Reyes, after an impressive season in Double-A and a strong start in Triple-A, will make his MLB debut.
In-Depth Analysis
Jhoan Duran's injury forces the Phillies to shuffle their roster and re-evaluate their bullpen strategy. With no clear-cut replacement for Duran, manager Rob Thomson may opt for a closer-by-committee approach, utilizing different pitchers based on matchups and game situations. Jose Alvarado, despite a high ERA, has closing experience and could be in the mix. Brad Keller, Orion Kerkering and Tanner Banks are other potential options.
The promotion of Felix Reyes provides the Phillies with a versatile player who can contribute in multiple positions. Reyes's impressive performance in the minor leagues earned him this opportunity, and the Phillies are hoping he can provide a spark to their lineup.
The release of Pedro Leon suggests that the Phillies did not see him as a valuable asset, despite his decent numbers in Triple-A. This move opens up a 40-man roster spot for another player.
FAQ
Who is Felix Reyes?
Felix Reyes is an IF/OF who was called up from Triple-A Lehigh Valley. He was the Eastern League MVP in 2025 and has had a hot start to the 2026 season in Triple-A.
Takeaways
- Jhoan Duran's injury creates uncertainty in the Phillies' bullpen.
- Felix Reyes gets an opportunity to make his MLB debut.
- The Phillies are exploring different options to fill the closer role.
- The Phillies are looking for Reyes to bring some needed offense to the team.
Discussion
What do you think of the Phillies' roster moves? Who do you think will step up as the closer in Duran's absence? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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