Phillies Closer Jhoan Duran Lands on Injured List with Oblique Strain

The star reliever's injury is a major blow to the struggling Phillies bullpen.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 6:57pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the dynamic motion of a baseball pitcher's throwing motion, with the pitcher's face and uniform obscured into overlapping planes of color and shape.The Phillies' loss of star closer Jhoan Duran to an oblique injury leaves their bullpen in disarray as they try to turn around their slow start to the season.Philadelphia Today

The Philadelphia Phillies have announced that their star closer Jhoan Duran has been placed on the 15-day injured list with a left oblique strain. Duran, who has a 1.35 ERA and 5 saves this season, will be sidelined for an undetermined period, leaving the Phillies bullpen in flux as they try to turn around their slow 8-11 start.

Why it matters

Duran has been one of the few bright spots for the Phillies this season, converting 5 of 6 save opportunities. His absence will force the team to turn to less experienced options like Brad Keller, Orion Kerkering, Jose Alvarado, and Tanner Banks to fill the closer role, making it even more challenging for the struggling Phillies to win close games.

The details

The Phillies announced Duran's placement on the injured list prior to their game against the Atlanta Braves on Saturday. The right-hander has been dealing with a left oblique strain, which will sideline him for at least 15 days. To replace Duran on the roster, the team has called up right-hander Seth Johnson from the minors.

  • Duran was placed on the 15-day injured list retroactive to April 15.
  • The Phillies announced the roster move prior to their game against the Braves on April 18.

The players

Jhoan Duran

The Phillies' star closer who has a 1.35 ERA and 5 saves this season.

Seth Johnson

The right-handed pitcher called up from the minors to replace Duran on the Phillies' roster.

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What’s next

The Phillies will have to rely on a bullpen-by-committee approach to replace Duran in the closer role, with Brad Keller, Orion Kerkering, Jose Alvarado, and Tanner Banks all expected to see save opportunities. The team will monitor Duran's recovery and hope to have their star reliever back as soon as possible.

The takeaway

Duran's injury is a major blow to the Phillies, who have struggled to a 8-11 start this season. The team will need to find a way to win close games without their dominant closer, putting added pressure on the rest of the bullpen to step up in his absence.