Jhoan

Duran

A hard-luck night saw Duran give up three singles, only one of which was hit hard. His closing gig remains very secure, but he might be unavailable on Wednesday after working back-to-back days. Maybe Orior Kerkering wil earn a save then.

Duran was brought on to protect a three-run lead in the final frame and required just nine pitches (eight strikes) to slam the door. He gave up a one-out double to Andrés Giménez, but managed to get pinch-hitter Jesús Sánchez and Brandon Valenzuela to ground out to end it. He’s converted all 16 of his save opportunities this season to go along with a microscopic 1.25 ERA across 21 2/3 innings of work.

Duran struck out two of the three batters he faced in this one and needed just 16 pitches to retire the side in order. Duran is now sitting on 15 saves for the season and has been running hot as of late, picking up 11 saves in his last 15 outings.

Duran is one of just six closers with 14 or more saves this season, which is noteworthy considering he missed time earlier this year. He also has the second-highest K-BB% among relief pitchers, only trailing Mason Miller. Duran has been on a particularly impactful run, notching six saves over the past 12 days.

Duran struck out Jackson Merrill, Xander Bogaerts and Jase Bowen on 14 pitches. He’s pitched scoreless ninths for saves in five straight appearances, and he’s sporting a 1.45 ERA and a 29/5 K/BB in 18 2/3 innings on the season.

Duran moved to 12-for-12 in save chances. He has a 1.53 ERA and a 26/5 K/BB through 17 2/3 innings.

Duran was summoned in the bottom of the ninth to close out the game against the Padres with a one-run lead. He tossed a clean frame on 14 pitches, striking out the final two batters to secure the win and convert his 11th save of the season. The 28-year-old right-hander has been dominant, posting a 1.62 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, and a 26/5 K/BB ratio across 16 2/3 innings.

Duran got the call to protect a three-run lead in the final frame and managed to work around a two-out single by Ty France, needing just 17 pitches (nine strikes) to end it. The 28-year-old stopper has converted all 10 of his save opportunities this season to accompany a microscopic 1.72 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 23/5 K/BB ratio across 15 1/3 innings of work.

Duran, who took a loss Friday, gave up a leadoff double to Travis Bazzana before retiring the next three batters in a row. He’s a perfect 9-for-9 in his save chances this season. He’ll get Sunday off after this, which could lead to a save chance for Brad Keller or José Alvarado.

The first K tonight, against Nathaniel Lowe, was the product of a 10-pitch at-bat. Fortunately, he needed just eight more to get the remaining two outs, so he should be available again Tuesday. Duran has struck out multiple batters in all six of his appearances since coming off the IL.