Big Relief for Phillies: Jhoan Duran Says He’s “100%” After Scary Foot Incident, No Limp or Discomfort Reported According to Scott Lauber—Team Breathes a Collective Sigh of Relief as Closer Appears Ready to Return Without Limitations
The Philadelphia Phillies received some much-needed positive news today regarding their elite closer, Jhoan Duran. According to Philadelphia Inquirer reporter Scott Lauber, Duran told the media he feels “100%” after taking a sharply hit ball off his foot during last night’s game. There was immediate concern when Duran appeared to be in significant pain and was seen limping off the mound, casting doubt over his availability for the coming stretch of games. However, just hours later, the closer himself addressed the issue, reassuring fans and coaches alike that he’s healthy and showing no signs of lingering discomfort.
This development couldn’t come at a better time for the Phillies. Sitting in the thick of a playoff race, the team is counting heavily on its bullpen—especially on the power-armed Duran, who has quickly established himself as one of the most dominant late-inning relievers in the National League. Known for his electric fastball, often touching triple digits, and his devastating splitter, Duran’s presence at the back end of games has been a game-changer for Philadelphia.
The scare last night, when a hard-hit comebacker ricocheted off his foot, left many wondering whether the Phillies might be forced to temporarily reshuffle their bullpen roles. Manager Rob Thomson had expressed concern postgame, saying the team would evaluate Duran’s condition further in the morning. Thankfully, Duran’s self-assessment this afternoon was overwhelmingly positive.
“I feel 100 percent. No pain, no swelling, and I’m not limping,” Duran told reporters with a confident smile. “It scared me a little at first, but once I got back in the clubhouse and got treatment, it started to feel a lot better. I’ll be ready whenever they need me.”
His quick recovery is a testament to both his resilience and the training staff’s immediate response. It’s not uncommon for pitchers to miss time with foot contusions or worse, but in this case, the Phillies appear to have dodged a bullet. The team will likely monitor him closely over the next 24 to 48 hours, but as of now, there’s no indication he’ll need to miss any time.
Duran’s health is especially critical given the high-leverage innings he handles and the razor-thin margins that often define games down the stretch. Without him, the Phillies would have likely turned to a committee approach, possibly involving Gregory Soto, José Alvarado, or Seranthony Domínguez in save situations. But none possess quite the same overpowering arsenal or composure under pressure that Duran brings to the mound.
For now, fans can breathe easy. Jhoan Duran is healthy, confident, and appears ready to pick up right where he left off. With the postseason looming, that’s exactly the kind of news the Phillies—and their fans—were hoping to hear.