The Philadelphia Phillies weren’t shy in any respect previous to the commerce deadline, being aggressive available on the market by buying and selling for among the finest accessible relievers within the hard-throwing Jhoan Duran. Duran goes to be the Phillies’ undisputed nearer, and on Sunday, in simply his second recreation for his new group, he made his mark but once more, recording his second save for Philly in a 2-0 win over the Detroit Tigers.
Duran didn’t enable a single baserunner and he struck out one in his second save since his transfer east. However past getting the win for his new ballclub, he additionally set a brand new document for the quickest pitch thrown within the Phillies’ residence of Residents Financial institution Park at 103.3 miles per hour, as per Charlotte Varnes of The Athletic.
The earlier document by a Phillies participant was held by Jose Alvarado, who most notably is serving an 80-game suspension as a result of a violation of MLB’s drug coverage. His ineligibility to play within the postseason positively performed an element within the Phillies’ commerce deadline aggression. One may argue that Alvarado’s absence did result in the acquisition of Duran.
Duran setting the brand new document mustn’t come as a shock to anybody who’s heard of the electrical nearer previously. Duran’s common fastball velocity is a blistering 100.3, and he would not seem like at risk of slowing down anytime quickly.
What’s worrisome with Duran’s peripherals is that his strikeout fee is declining and his stroll fee is trending the mistaken manner. As unimaginable as his four-seamer could also be, he ought to all the time rein it in and never enable himself to lose management lest he shoot himself on the foot.
Nonetheless, he confirmed in his two video games for the Phillies up to now that he ought to be effectively well worth the steep worth they acquired him for.
Phillies load up as battle for the NL East continues
Duran goes to be a precious late-game weapon for the Phillies within the stretch run. What the previous decade of baseball has proven is that having as many elite relievers as doable is a recipe for October success, and the Phillies went for it — even buying and selling gifted prospects Eduardo Tait and Mick Abel simply to bolster their late-game reduction corps.
The Phillies additionally added Harrison Bader and Matt Manning for extra outfield and pitching reassurance, respectively. Philadelphia is recognizing that the necessity is there for them to load up their roster as their battle with the New York Mets for NL East supremacy may find yourself taking place to the wire.