Philadelphia Phillies star Jhoan Duran sparks curiosity after showing a mystery split-change in spring game

Philadelphia Phillies closer Jhoan Duran created intrigue during his latest spring training appearance with a pitch that had not been seen from him in years. The hard throwing reliever mixed in a split-changeup during the Phillies’ 5-3 exhibition loss to Team Canada at BayCare Ballpark. The moment quickly drew attention because Duran is already known for his triple digit fastball and unique splinker.

One of the most notable moments came when Duran used the pitch against Tyler O’Neill. The split-change froze O’Neill for a called third strike to end the fourth inning. It marked the first time in at least five years that Duran used the pitch in game action.

Jhoan Duran refuses to reveal details about the mysterious split-change pitch

After the game, Duran did not offer many details about the pitch or its purpose. When asked whether he planned to use the split-change during the regular season, the Phillies closer kept his answer short. “I don’t know if I’ll throw it,” he said.

When reporters asked how the pitch might help him against hitters, Duran declined to explain further. He made it clear that the details would remain private. “I can’t tell you. Sorry.”

When asked directly if the pitch was meant to stay secret, Duran confirmed that idea without hesitation. “Yes,” he said.

During the spring outing, Jhoan Duran’s velocity was slightly lower than his regular season averages. His four-seam fastball averaged 97.7 mph. That is about 2.9 mph lower than his 100.6 mph average last season.

His splinker averaged 95 mph, which is also about 2.8 mph below last year’s average of 97.8 mph. Despite those numbers, the Phillies coaching staff said there is no reason to worry. “No concerns,” Phillies manager Rob Thomson said after Duran threw one scoreless inning with a strikeout.

Duran explained that his approach during spring training is focused on staying healthy rather than reaching peak velocity right away. “Maybe in my first year in the Minor Leagues, I was fighting for a job, I came in ready for the season,” he said. “That’s when I threw 100, 101.” “But after that, I come into Spring Training to be healthy and be ready for the season. If the velo is there, good. If it’s not, good.”

Duran’s brief outing may have lasted only an inning, but it still raised plenty of interest ahead of the season. With his powerful fastball and unique pitch mix, the Phillies closer continues to be one of the most intriguing relievers to watch this spring.


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