BREAKING: Philadelphia Phillies closer Jhoan Duran was carted off the field after suffering a foot injury during the ninth inning of a 6-2 victory against the Washington Nationals on August 25, 2023. Duran took a comebacker off his right foot while facing batter Paul DeJong, prompting immediate concern from the team.
Manager Rob Thomson confirmed that Duran will undergo X-rays to assess the severity of the injury, noting that the use of the cart was largely precautionary. “He ran like a shot to retrieve the ball, and once he got there, I think the adrenaline wore off and the pain set in,” Thomson stated.
The incident occurred after Duran, who had four days off, entered the game in a non-save situation. On just his fourth pitch, DeJong hit a sharp grounder that deflected off Duran’s foot, resulting in a single. As he attempted to retrieve the ball, Duran began to limp and ultimately required assistance from team trainers.
After a lengthy evaluation by medical staff, Duran was seated in the Nationals’ bullpen cart and driven off the field, raising concerns about his availability moving forward. “Before the cart came out, he said, ‘I actually feel better, I think I can walk over to the dugout,’” Thomson added. “But we got all these steps up here, so we just wanted to use the cart and take him all the way around.”
Duran, acquired from the Minnesota Twins at the trade deadline, has been a key asset for the Phillies, successfully converting all four save opportunities since joining the team. His performance has significantly boosted the Phillies’ bullpen, making this injury a potential setback for the squad.
The situation is developing, and fans will be watching closely for updates on Duran’s condition and the results of the X-rays. As the team prepares for their upcoming games, his health will be crucial for their postseason aspirations.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds. The Philadelphia Phillies aim to navigate this challenge while maintaining their momentum in the playoff race.