Who will be Phillies’ closer while Jhoan Duran is out with injury?

The Philadelphia Phillies’ bullpen took a hit on Saturday, as the club placed Jhoan Duran on the 15-day IL due to a left oblique strain injury. Hours after that news was announced, new reports reveal which reliever will step in as the club’s closer while Duran sits out.

It’s said that Brad Keller, who typically serves as the setup man, will get most of the closing opportunities for now, according to Todd Zolecki of MLB.com. With Keller officially stepping in as the closer, that means Jose Alvarado should be the go-to setup man.

“Brad Keller will get the bulk of closing opportunities while Duran is out,” reported Zolecki.

Zolecki also claimed that the Phillies are optimistic that Jhoan Duran can bounce back in about 15 days. The imaging on his left oblique didn’t show anything too serious, but his return will depend on his recovery process.

“The Phillies are hopeful Jhoan Duran will be back in 15 days,” said Zolecki. “Imaging showed a ‘very mild’ strained left oblique. We’ll see, of course.”

Duran, who is 28 years old, was playing well before sustaining the injury. In seven mound appearances, the five-year veteran owned an impressive 1.35 ERA and 0.750 WHIP with eight strikeouts and five saves. But Keller will be the man for at least the next 15 days.

Brad Keller joined the Phillies in the offseason after signing a two-year, $22 million contract. The start to the 2026 season hasn’t been anything to gloat about for the 30-year-old right-hander. After having a career year with the Chicago Cubs in 2025, Keller owns a 4.70 ERA and 1.304 WHIP with eight strikeouts in his first year in Philadelphia.

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