Jhoan

Duran

Duran was brought into Game 1 in the seventh inning, allowing three runs over two innings and throwing 27 pitches in a losing effort. He was then held out of action in Game 2 due to soreness after the extended outing in Game 1. If the Phillies have a lead to protect late in the game on Thursday, expect Duran to get the call.

Duran came in to pitch the seventh and eighth as interim manager Don Mattingly looked to cement a Game 1 win. He did the job in the seventh, but the 28-year-old gave up a hit and a hit-by-pitch before leaving a pitch in the middle of the plate to Austin Riley that Riley hit out to right field. Duran also threw 27 pitches, so while he’ll likely be available for Wednesday’s must-win game, it’s not a guarantee. Duran is one of the best relievers in the sport, but it wasn’t his day, and it’s fair to wonder if his manager put himself in the best position to succeed Tuesday.

Watching their playoff hopes potentially slip away from them, the Phillies decided to bring in Duran while down 2-0 in the eighth inning. He pitched a clean and easy scoreless frame, but it was a clear indication that their backs are up against the wall.

Duran only allowed a walk and a single, with the runner having taken second base on defensive indifference in a three-run game. Duran has taken two losses this month, but he hasn’t blown a save since July 27.

Duran came on with a three-run lead to protect against the heart of the Mets’ lineup. He did allow a leadoff single to Bo Bichette, but retired the next three hitters in order, including strikeouts of Mark Vientos and AJ Ewing to close it out. The 28-year-old closer has had another terrific season for the Phillies, registering a 1.76 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and a 79/9 K/BB ratio over 56 1/3 innings while converting 32 of his first 34 save chances.

Completely overpowering, 10 of Duran’s 21 pitches in this ninth inning were at least 100 mph and 16 came in at least 98 mph. He hasn’t blown a save since late July and it was nice to see him look dominant after letting up a run and taking a loss in two of his last three appearances.

It was a splitter that hung in the middle of the plate and Smith took advantage of the location and hammered it. It’s the second loss in three appearances for Duran, who has only allowed a single run each time and even despite that has a 1.69 ERA in his last 15 appearances. He’ll be fine.

Duran was summoned in the top of the ninth to close out the game against the Braves with a two-run lead. He struck out the first batter, then induced a pair of groundouts to end the game with his 30th save of the season, with a 1.58 ERA over 51 1/3 innings.

Duran allowed a couple of soft singles, but he then got Gabriel Moreno to ground out to end the 2-1 game. It’s his 29th save. He’s thrown 32 pitches in the three days since he missed Saturday’s game with a stomach issue, so it’s possible he’ll be down Tuesday.

Jonathan Bowlan converted the save chance in his place against the Angels. Duran should be day-to-day.