The Philadelphia Phillies secured a huge series win over the AL Central-leading Detroit Tigers over the weekend. Both of the Phillies’ wins during the series were closed out by the team’s newest closer, Jhoan Duran.
Phillies fans didn’t see much from Duran during his first appearance with the team on Friday, in which he picked up a four-pitch save, but they were treated to an electric performance in the 2-0 series finale win on Sunday Night Baseball. The “Durantula” had a record-setting save to cap off his second appearance with the team.
Jhoan Duran threw the fastest pitch in Phillies' Statcast history on Sunday
After eight dominant innings by Cristopher Sánchez, in which he only threw 84 pitches, Phillies manager Rob Thomson decided to bring Duran into the game for the ninth inning. Duran threw two consecutive balls to lead off the inning, but he settled in quickly.
Although it took 12 pitches compared to his four on Friday night, Duran shut down the Tigers’ offense in the ninth. The right-hander recorded two groundouts to start the inning and struck out Tigers outfielder Riley Greene to close out the game.
103 MPH TO END IT!#RingTheBell pic.twitter.com/EteOiRDq4z
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) August 4, 2025
Of Duran’s 12 pitches in Sunday’s shutout win, 10 of them were 100 mph or faster. The two pitches that were under triple digits were 97 and 99 mph splitters.
Duran threw four of the five fastest pitches in Phillies history in the pitch-tracking era (since 2008) during Sunday night’s win, including the fastest clocked at 103.3 mph, per MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki. The 27-year-old threw two pitches that tied the previous record of 102.5 mph that José Alvarado held.
Jhoan Duran tonight threw two fastest pitches by a Phillie in Statcast era (since 2008):
— Todd Zolecki (@ToddZolecki) August 4, 2025
103.3
102.7
Record was 102.5 (Alvarado)
“It feels normal for me,” Duran said about his velocity, per Zolecki. “I don’t think about it too much. I don’t think about how fast I’m throwing. It’s more like if I can control the fastball.”
Duran improved his season ERA to 1.93 and is 18 for 20 in save opportunities, including a perfect 2-for-2 to start his Phillies career. Between his electric stuff on the mound and his chilling entrance into ball games, Duran, who’s under club control for two more years, has instantly become a fan favorite in the City of Brotherly Love.
Jhoan Duran's entrance 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/qzIQRp8L4Y
— ESPN (@espn) August 4, 2025