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2d ago

Phillies Officially Name Jhoan Duran Closer, Add Harrison Bader for Playoff Push

Thomson’s jersey-number gesture for Duran underscores the cultural buy-in behind Philadelphia’s late-inning overhaul.

Jul 23, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Johan Rojas (23) hits an RBI single against the Boston Red Sox in the eleventh inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • Jhoan Duran retired the side in order on just four pitches for his 17th save in Friday’s win over Detroit, cementing his assignment as Philadelphia’s ninth-inning closer.
  • Harrison Bader has joined the outfield rotation in center or left, providing gold-glove defense and a lefty-friendly bat for manager Rob Thomson’s platoon strategy.
  • Thomson surrendered his No. 59 jersey to Duran before Friday’s opener, and the club tested the right-hander’s signature flame-and-spider entrance at Citizens Bank Park.
  • To make room on the 26-man roster, outfielder Johan Rojas was optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley and reliever Daniel Robert landed on the 15-day injured list.
  • The new bullpen alignment elevates Matt Strahm and Orion Kerkering as primary setup men, giving Philadelphia clearer late-inning roles as it pursues a playoff berth.