What happened to Jhoan Duran? Why Phillies closer is landing on injured list

What happened to Jhoan Duran? Why Phillies closer is landing on injured list originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Philadelphia Phillies have gone through their fair share of struggles this season. They've gotten off to an 8-11 start this season, and things aren't going well.

But things are getting worse before they're getting better. After a 9-0 loss to the Atlanta Braves on Friday night, the Phillies shared some tough news on Saturday.

As the Phillies announced, star closer Jhoan Duran is hitting the injured list. But why is the righty landing on the IL when he's not pitched for a few days? Well, the flame-throwing closer has an oblique issue that will sideline him for a while.

Why Jhoan Duran is landing on IL for Phillies

"Prior to tonight's game against the Atlanta Braves, the Phillies announced the following roster moves: ... Right-handed pitcher Jhoan Duran was placed on the 15-Day injured list (retro to 4/15) with a left oblique strain," the Phillies announced.

This is some awful news for the Phillies, as their superstar closer is going to be out for some time. As if things weren't going poorly enough, now the Phillies have lost a key member of the bullpen for a while.

Replacing Duran's spot in the bullpen is right-hander Seth Johnson. He's been called up a few times before in his big league career, and will factor into the bullpen once more with Duran hitting the injured list.

This season, Duran has posted a 1.35 ERA with a 1-1 record and five saves. Of their eight wins, five of them were thanks in part to Duran closing a game out.