URGENT UPDATE: Philadelphia Phillies closer Jhoan Duran has been carted off the field following a frightening incident during the ninth inning of the Phillies’ 6-2 victory over the Washington Nationals on August 4, 2023. Duran was struck in the right foot by a sharp comebacker while pitching, leading to immediate medical attention.
Authorities confirm that Duran will undergo X-rays to assess the injury. Phillies manager Rob Thomson stated the cart was utilized mainly as a precautionary measure. “He ran like a shot to retrieve the ball, and once he got there, I think the adrenaline wore off and the pain set in,” Thomson reported.
The incident occurred after a four-day break when Duran, pitching in a non-save situation, faced Paul DeJong in the ninth. On his fourth pitch, DeJong hit a grounder that deflected off Duran’s foot, resulting in a single. As he limped towards the ball, team trainers quickly attended to him, leading to his transport in the Nationals’ bullpen cart.
“Before the cart came out, he said, ‘I actually feel better, I think I can walk over to the dugout,'” Thomson added. “But we got all these steps up here, so we just wanted to use the cart to take him all the way around.”
Duran, acquired from the Minnesota Twins at the trade deadline, has been a crucial addition to the Phillies’ bullpen, successfully converting all 4-for-4 save opportunities since joining the team. His status remains uncertain, raising concerns among fans and teammates about his availability moving forward.
This developing story highlights the risks players face on the field and the immediate impact on the team’s postseason aspirations. The Phillies, currently contending in a tight playoff race, will closely monitor Duran’s condition following the X-rays.
Stay tuned for further updates on Duran’s injury status, as more information becomes available in the coming hours.
