Jhoan Duran, the newly acquired closer for the Philadelphia Phillies, has managed to keep his beloved No. 59 jersey despite the trade from the Minnesota Twins. Initially concerned about giving up the number, which carries significant sentimental value as part of his family’s pool design in the Dominican Republic, Duran can breathe a sigh of relief. He was able to wear his new Phillies uniform bearing the number during his stellar performance, where he pitched a flawless ninth inning to secure a 5-4 victory over the Detroit Tigers.
Phillies manager Rob Thomson, whose own jersey number is 59, showed camaraderie by willingly relinquishing it to Duran, reflecting the supportive team environment he has fostered. Thomson humorously acknowledged that the only person unhappy with the number change might be his wife, as she will now need to update her merchandise. However, the manager’s focus remains on building a strong roster, having led the Phillies to three consecutive playoff appearances.
Duran, 27, has had an impressive season, with 16 saves and a noteworthy 2.01 ERA across 49 appearances, making him a valuable addition to the Phillies’ bullpen. He was acquired in a trade that sent two minor leaguers to the Twins, furthering the Phillies’ commitment to strengthening their pitching staff as they aim for playoff success.
This transaction not only highlights the personal stories and connections that accompany player trades but also reinforces the Phillies’ strategic moves to enhance their competitiveness in the league. As the team continues to build on its recent successes, fans can look forward to Duran’s impactful contributions as they pursue another postseason run.