Jhoan Duran declined the opportunity to play for the Dominican Republic in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, choosing instead to focus entirely on his role as the Phillies’ closer this season. His dedication reflects a commitment to being fully prepared for the challenges ahead with Philadelphia.
Impressive First Appearance in Spring Training
During his initial bullpen session this spring in Clearwater, Fla., Duran delivered with the intensity of a high-pressure game. Rather than treating it as a routine practice, he sprinted to the mound with the urgency of protecting a save, bringing the energy and focus that define his presence in major league games.
Maintaining Game-Level Intensity in Training
Duran emphasized the importance of replicating game conditions even during live batting practice.
“That’s what I do in the game so I want to do it in the live (batting practice), too,”
he said.
“It’s like a game. I’ve done that my whole career in the majors.”
Alec Bohm, one of the batters facing Duran, took note of the pitcher’s intense approach.
Significance for Phillies’ Bullpen Stability
By dedicating himself fully to the Phillies and rejecting external distractions, Jhoan Duran aims to solidify his role as a reliable closer. His strong start to spring signals promising bullpen stability for Philadelphia as the season approaches, underscoring the team’s confidence in his ability to secure critical late-inning leads.
