Jhoan Duran wasted no time making himself at home in Philadelphia. Just two appearances into his Phillies career, the flamethrowing right-hander has already made franchise history — and it only took a handful of pitches.
Videos by FanBuzz
Getty
Duran, acquired from the Twins at last week's trade deadline, let it fly on Sunday night. In the ninth inning of a 2-0 win over the Tigers, he fired a 103.3 mph fastball to Detroit All-Star Riley Greene. The pitch was fouled off but still etched itself into the books as the fastest ever recorded at Citizens Bank Park.
Not done yet, Duran followed that with a 102.7 mph missile, then ended the game with a 102.5 mph strikeout. It became the fastest game-ending K by a Phillies pitcher since pitch tracking began in 2008, per MLB's Sarah Langs.
Not a bad way to wrap your first weekend in red pinstripes.
Fans in Philly already seem sold, and Duran's entrance to the mound is quickly becoming appointment viewing. When the bullpen doors swing open, it's like a cannon blast.
The 26-year-old from the Dominican Republic broke into the majors with Minnesota in 2022 and has quietly been one of the steadiest high-velocity arms in baseball. He's logged a sub-3.00 ERA in three of his first four seasons, with fastballs that frequently hit triple digits and don't dip much from there.
As for the title of fastest pitch in the majors this year? That still belongs to Mason Miller, who touched 104.1 mph earlier this season with Oakland.
But Duran just might give him a run, or a heater, for his money.
