Jhoan Duran MLB Playoff Tracker - Jhoan Duran

Jhoan Duran hits 100 mph in bullpen session, Phillies eye return without rehab assignment

The Phillies are about to get their closer back and he’s throwing gas. Jhoan Duran, out since April 11 with an oblique strain, hit 100 mph in a bullpen session Saturday before the Phillies’ game in Miami.

Todd Zolecki reported the radar gun reading and said Mattingly is considering bringing Duran back without a rehab assignment. When a reporter asked Mattingly if Duran would need rehab games first, Mattingly responded “Well, could you hit him at 100?” which drew laughs from the dugout.

Don Mattingly on Jhoan Duran

Don Mattingly gives the latest update on Jhoan Duran, who is working his way back from a left oblique injury.

(Via @TimKellySports) pic.twitter.com/djWH3C2Zuj
— OnPattison (@OnPattison) May 3, 2026

Duran intentionally ramped up his intensity during the session to see how close he is to returning. The fact that he was comfortable letting it rip to triple digits is a strong sign that the oblique is healthy and the arm is ready.

If the Phillies bring him back this week without a rehab stint, it would be a massive boost to a bullpen that has been inconsistent all season.

Before the injury, Duran was one of the few reliable arms in the bullpen. He was 1-1 with a 1.35 ERA and eight strikeouts in 6 2/3 innings.

After he went down, the Phillies completely fell apart. The bullpen ERA sits at 4.28, which ranks 17th in baseball. The 1.40 WHIP ranks 20th. Opponents are batting .264 against Phillies relievers, the third-worst mark in the league.

The Phillies have had exactly one conventional save opportunity since Duran was shelved and Brad Keller barely survived it, allowing a run in a 6-5 win over the Marlins on Friday with an ERA north of 4.50.

Getting Jhoan Duran back gives Mattingly a legitimate weapon in the ninth inning for the first time since the second week of the season. A guy who throws 100 mph closing out games changes the entire dynamic of the bullpen because it shortens the game for everyone else.

The starters know they only need to get through six or seven innings. The middle relievers know they only need to bridge to Duran. It creates a structure that this bullpen hasn’t had since he went on the IL.

The Phillies are 5-1 under Mattingly. The rotation has turned around. The offense is showing signs of life. Adding Jhoan Duran back is the next piece and based on Saturday’s session, it’s coming soon.