Duran Debuts, Phillies Regain NL East Lead

Jhoan Duran made a dramatic debut with the Philadelphia Phillies, securing a four-pitch save in a 5-4 comeback victory over the Detroit Tigers after being traded from the Minnesota Twins for prospects Mick Abel and Eduardo Tait. Duran’s WWE-style entrance, with music, lights, and animated spiders, excited fans and teammates at Citizens Bank Park. His arrival is viewed as a major upgrade for the Phillies’ struggling bullpen, which now features Duran as closer and Orion Kerkering and Matt Strahm as set-up men. Manager Rob Thomson gave Duran his preferred No. 59 jersey, underscoring the team’s commitment to their new closer. The Phillies regained first place in the NL East following the win. Duran’s presence is expected to bolster the team’s postseason hopes.