Jhoan Duran Injury News & Updates

Duran closed out the save in Tuesday's 3-1 win over the Blue Jays in Game 1 of the AL Wild Card Series, allowing one walk in a scoreless inning. He struck out two.

The young right-hander led the team with 27 saves in 59 regular season games and they unsurprisingly turned to him again in the ninth inning to close out Tuesday's win. Duran was making his first career appearance as a closer in the postseason. Also foreseeable were his two strikeouts, as Duran carried a 12.1 K/9 across 62.1 innings during the season.

Duran allowed a run on two hits and two walks in one inning Friday. He struck out one and earned a save against the Angels.

Duran threw just 17 of 34 pitches for strikes in his shaky performance. He gave up an RBI single to Michael Stefanic but was able to strand three runners on base to close out the 8-5 win. Duran now has 27 saves in 32 chances while registering a 2.54 ERA and an 81:24 K:BB through 60.1 innings. Friday was his first save since Sep. 12 and he's converted four straight since his last blown opportunity Aug. 30.

Duran picked up the save Tuesday against the Rays. He tossed a perfect inning and didn't record a strikeout.

Duran snared his third save of September on Tuesday, delivering a perfect inning to put away the Rays. During September, Duran has allowed two hits and no earned runs across four innings.

Duran issued one walk in a scoreless inning against the Mets on Friday. He struck out two and picked up a save.

Duran worked around a leadoff walk to close out the 5-2 win on just 14 pitches. He's converted two straight save chances after blowing one against Cleveland on Aug. 30. Duran is up to 25 saves with a 2.56 ERA and a 77:21 K:BB through 56.1 frames.

Duran earned a save against Texas on Saturday, allowing one unearned run on two hits while striking out two batters over one inning.

Duran entered in the bottom of the 10th inning after Minnesota took a three-run lead in the top of the frame. The right-hander retired the first two batters he faced before Johan Heim laced a single to score the inherited runner. Robbie Grossman followed with an infield single to bring the winning run to the plate, but Duran struck out Josh Smith to escape the jam. The save was the 24th of the season for Duran, seventh-most in the American League.

Duran picked up the save Sunday against the Pirates. He allowed one hit and zero walks while striking out two over a scoreless inning.

Only a Brian Reynolds infield single prevented a clean frame for Duran, who has now allowed at least one hit his last 13 outings. Duran now has 23 saves in 27 opportunities and holds a 2.77 ERA and 1.15 WHIP to go along with 68 strikeouts in 48.2 innings.

Duran picked up the save in Tuesday's 5-3 win over Detroit. He allowed a solo home run and a single while striking out two in the ninth inning.

The 25-year-old closer served up a solo homer to Spencer Torkelson and a base hit to Kerry Carpenter before striking out Zach McKinstry to end the game. Duran is now 10-for-11 in second-half save chances despite a 5.11 ERA and 1.54 WHIP across 12.1 innings during that stretch.

Duran picked up the save Sunday against Philadelphia, working around a hit in a scoreless inning.

It's the third straight scoreless appearance for Duran after he allowed five earned runs over his previous three outings (2.1 innings). The 25-year-old right-hander is now 21-for-25 in save chances with a 2.76 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 61:18 K:BB across 45.2 innings this season.

Duran allowed a hit and a walk in a scoreless inning Friday, striking out one and earning a save over the Diamondbacks.

Duran has been shaky recently but he's still converted three straight save chances. Over his last four appearances, he's given up six runs (five earned) on five hits and three walks but was charged with just one blown save during that stretch. His season ERA still sits at 2.89 with a 59:18 K:BB through 43.2 frames.

Duran picked up the save Thursday against St. Louis, allowing a run on two hits while striking out one over one inning.

Duran's now converted his last two saves despite allowing a run in each appearance. He's been struggling of late, allowing six runs (five earned) over his previous 2.1 innings while sporting a 7.59 ERA in his last 11 outings (10.2 innings). Overall, Duran's gone 19-for-23 in save chances this year while maintaining a 2.95 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 58:17 K:BB across 42.2 innings.

Duran recorded his 18th save of the season in Tuesday's 3-2 win over the Cardinals, giving up a run on a solo home run while striking out two in the ninth inning.

Tyler O'Neill drove a 102 mph Duran fastball over the wall in right field to make things interesting, but the Twins closer shook it off and fanned Jordan Walker and Alec Burleson to end the night. Duran has looked a little vulnerable lately, getting tagged for runs in three straight appearances and posting a 6.75 ERA and 1,59 WHIP over 10.2 innings since the beginning of July despite a 15:3 K:BB, but his spot at the head of the bullpen doesn't appear to be in any jeopardy.

Duran (2-5) took the blown save and the loss Friday against Kansas City. He allowed two walks and a walk-off grand slam to Bobby Witt after retiring the first batter he faced in the 10th inning.

This was one to forget for the normally reliable Duran. It marked just his second time allowing multiple earned runs through 38 appearances this season. Given how well he's pitched overall (2.66 ERA, 1.11 WHIP), it seems likely that this will end up being just a blip for Minnesota's primary closer.

Duran allowed two hits and struck out three in a scoreless inning to earn the save in Saturday's 3-2 win over the White Sox.

Duran's given up 11 hits over 8.1 innings in July, but this was his fourth consecutive scoreless outing. He's also converted six of seven save chances this month. The closer has maintained a 2.06 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 52:15 K:BB with 17 saves in 20 tries over 39.1 innings this season. He's given up five runs (four earned) in July, accounting for nearly half of his total for the year.

Duran allowed a hit and struck out two over a scoreless inning to earn the save in Wednesday's 6-3 win over the Mariners.

Duran had a rough patch of allowing five runs (four earned) over three appearances earlier in July, but this was his third straight scoreless outing. The hard-throwing righty is up to 16 saves in 19 chances this season. He's maintained a strong 2.11 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 49:15 K:BB through 38.1 innings as the Twins' closer.

Duran won't be available to pitch Monday after appearing in each of his team's last three games against Oakland, John Shipley of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

This decision by skipper Rocco Baldelli is based simply on recent usage, as the Twins relied heavily on Duran over the weekend to slam the door. Griffin Jax would likely be the top candidate for a save chance Monday night if needed.

Duran allowed one hit in a scoreless inning while earning a save over Oakland on Sunday.

Duran gave up a one-out double but was able to work around the small threat to close out the 5-4 game. He'll likely be unavailable Monday against Seattle after throwing an inning in each of the last three games against the Athletics. He's now sporting a 2.17 ERA and a 47:15 K:BB through 37.1 frames.

Duran picked up the save Saturday against the Athletics. He struck out two over one clean inning.

After giving up five runs over his last three appearances, Duran bounced back with a perfect inning to nail down his 14th save of the campaign Saturday. Though Duran has struggled as of late, he owns a 2.23 ERA through 33 appearances (36.1 innings) on the year and is locked into closing duties for Minnesota.

Duran picked up the save Friday against Oakland. He allowed one run on two hits over one inning. He did not walk a batter.

Duran's form has been shaky recently, posting an 0-2 record with an 8.41 ERA in the month of July so far. However, the 25-year-old's 13 saves are a career high, and he still sports a solid 1.05 WHIP on the year. The right-hander is far from an elite option, but he has promise going forward.

Duran picked up the save Saturday against the Orioles after he allowed a hit and no walks with no strikeouts in a scoreless ninth inning.

Duran surrendered a one-out single and allowed the tying run into scoring position on a stolen base, but he still needed just eight pitches to retire the side. The 25-year-old is 12-for-14 in save chances this year and has yet to allow more than a single run in any of his 29 appearances. He's again been one of the best relievers in the league with a 1.41 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and 42:14 K:BB over 32 innings.

Duran fired a clean inning while striking out a batter en route to his 11th save of the season in a win over the Tigers on Sunday.

Duran was called upon to protect a three-run lead in the 10th inning and was flawless in doing so. He sits in the middle of the pack with 11 saves on the year but has been the shutdown guy the Twins need in the back end of their bullpen, especially with Jorge Lopez (personal) currently away from the team. The 25-year-old Duran now boasts a 1.45 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and 42:14 K:BB in 31 innings thus far.

Duran picked up the save Friday against the Tigers. He allowed one walk while striking out three over a scoreless inning.

Duran handed out a free pass to Matt Vierling but bounced back to retire Miguel Cabrera and Zack Short via strikeout. While he doesn't have as many saves as the top closers, Duran has been as steady as they come this season with a 1.50 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, 41 strikeouts and 10 saves in 12 chances. Griffin Jax has been serving as the team's top setup man in front of Duran.

Duran was tagged with a blown save against the Red Sox on Wednesday, allowing a run on one hit and one walk over two innings. He struck out two.

Duran entered in the eighth inning tasked with protecting a one-run lead. He allowed two of the first three batters he faced to reach base, resulting in the game-tying run, but retired the next five hitters as the game went into extra frames. It wasn't a terrible performance by the right-hander, though the run he allowed caused him to take his second blown save of the season. Duran has had few missteps overall, posting a 1.55 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 38:13 K:BB over 29 innings while collecting nine saves and one hold.

Duran picked up the save in Saturday's 2-0 victory over the Tigers, allowing one hit while striking out one.

Duran was part of a shutout effort for the Twins' bullpen, finishing off the Tigers with his four-seam fastball in the ninth inning to earn his ninth save of the season. The right-handed reliever has allowed just one run since April 29 against the Royals and has not walked a batter in three of his last four appearances. With Saturday's scoreless inning Duran lowered his ERA to 1.33 on the season to go along with a 0.96 WHIP.

Duran (2-2) picked up the win in Friday's 3-2 extra-inning victory over the Blue Jays, allowing one hit and two walks over two scoreless innings. He struck out two.

With the score tied 2-2, Duran was brought in to face the bottom of the Toronto order in the ninth inning and nearly made a mess, plunking Santiago Espinal to lead off the frame and eventually loading the bases with two outs before escaping the jam. After Minnesota took the lead in the top of the 10th, however, the team's closer looked a little more comfortable as he finished things out. Duran has struck out multiple batters in nine of 11 appearances since the beginning of May, a stretch of dominance that has seen him post a 0.63 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 20:6 K:BB through 14.1 innings, but circumstances have let him record only two saves during that time. If the Twins can get him more opportunities, expect the 25-year-old to have few issues converting them.

Duran (1-2) took the loss Wednesday as the Twins were downed 2-1 by the Rays, failing to record an out and serving up a game-winning solo home run to Randy Arozarena.

The right-hander looked like he might be warming up to handle a save chance, as Minnesota scored its only run of the game in the top of the ninth inning and threatened to add more with the bases loaded and one out. Tampa Bay turned a slick double play to end the rally however, and Arozarena then drove the second pitch he saw from Duran over the wall in right field. It's the first earned run the Twins' closer has allowed in over a month and the first time he's been taken deep since April 12, and on the season Duran still sits with a stellar 1.57 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 32:10 K:BB through 23 innings.

Duran allowed a hit and a walk over 1.2 scoreless innings Friday, striking out three and earning a save over the Guardians.

Duran's walk was an intentional one and he didn't face much resistance while closing the 1-0 victory. He picked up his first save since May 5 and has now converted eight of his nine chances on the year. Duran has gone 12.2 straight innings without allowing an earned run, lowering his season ERA to 1.17.

Duran allowed a hit while striking out two over two-thirds of a scoreless ninth inning in Wednesday's 7-1 win over the Giants. He threw 104.6 mph and 104.4 mph fastballs, which are new Twins records, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

Duran was getting work in a blowout win as he hadn't pitched in four days. With the Twins off Thursday, Duran should be available for Friday's game against Toronto.

Duran picked up the save in Friday's 2-0 win over the Guardians, tossing a scoreless ninth in which he allowed one walk and zero hits while striking out two.

Duran continues to struggle with walks (seven over his past five outings), but he hasn't blown a save since April 11. The closer is 7-for-8 in save opportunities on the year and currently sports a 2.13 ERA, a 1.11 WHIP and a 16:9 K:BB through 12.2 innings.

Duran picked up his sixth save of the season Sunday in an 8-4 win over the Royals after he came in to record the final out of the game.

Duran was not expected to be used Sunday after throwing 25 pitches while struggling with his control in Saturday's loss to the Royals. The Twins went into the ninth Sunday with a comfortable 8-2 lead, however, things became tighter than anticipated after Josh Winder allowed two runs. Duran was then called upon to close with runners on second and third and got Edward Olivares to fly out to end the game. The 25-year-old is now tied for fourth in baseball with six saves and should be ready if needed Tuesday with the Twins off Monday.

Duran took the loss Saturday against Kansas City by allowing a run in the ninth inning of a tied game. He allowed a run on three walks while striking out one over one inning.

Duran returned after missing Friday's game due to an immigration-related appointment that required travel. Duran was wild, but not hit hard as a sacrifice bunt and wild pitch factored into the run allowed. He has a 2.61 ERA and 14:6 K:BB ratio in 10.1 innings and should remain the primary closer.

Duran, who left town early Friday morning to attend to immigration matters, has an uncertain return date, manager Rocco Baldelli told the Minneapolis Star Tribune.

It's not clear if Duran's absence will last a day or several days. Jorge Lopez converted a save chance Friday with Duran out. Lopez is likely the top option to close again Saturday if Duran is still away.

Duran may not be available for Friday's game against Kansas City due to an immigration-related appointment requiring travel, Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic reports. Duran threw a scoreless ninth inning in Thursday's 7-1 win over Kansas City with two strikeouts.

Duran was used in the ninth inning in a non-save situation since he seems likely to miss Friday's game. It sounds like he's not expected to miss more than one game, however. Duran has a 1.93 ERA with five saves and 13 strikeouts in 9.1 innings.

Duran struck out one and did not give up a hit in a scoreless ninth Sunday against the Nationals to secure his fifth save of the season.

Duran sent all three batters down in 12 pitches in what was his first save since April 14. The 25-year-old flamethrower has held opponents scoreless in six of his eight outings, and now sits at a 2.45 ERA, 0.82 WHIP and a 10:2 K:BB over 7.1 innings.

Duran gave up one hit in a scoreless ninth inning Friday against the Yankees to pick up the save.

He didn't strike out any batters, but he logged his fourth save of the season and got back on track after giving up a run in each of his last two outings. Jorge Lopez has arguably been the Twins' best reliever in the early going, but Duran has 80 percent of the saves.

Duran gave up two hits including a home run Wednedsay against the White Sox, but held on to record his third save of the season.

Duran entered the game with a 3-0 lead in the ninth, but gave the White Sox a glimmer of hope after allowing a solo homer to Lenyn Sosa. The 25-year-old closer now improves to 3-for-4 in save chances this season, but has also allowed two home runs in as many days.

Duran picked up the save in Saturday's 9-6 win over the Astros. He struck out the only batter he faced.

After the Twins scored four runs in the bottom of the eighth to extend the lead to 9-4, Jovani Moran gave two back in the top of the ninth to turn it back into a save situation for Minnesota. Duran got the call and was up to the task, striking out Yainer Diaz on three pitches. Jorge Lopez pitched the seventh inning Saturday as the first arm out of the bullpen in relief of starter Joe Ryan. Duran now has two saves this season to Lopez's one.

Twins manager Rocco Baldelli told reporters that that Duran was unavailable after "sleeping funny" for Saturday's game against the Royals.

Baldelli says that it was nothing serious, but that's why it was Jorge Lopez was given the save chance for Saturday's game rather than Duran. The talented right-hander appears likely to be available going forward, and it appears he's the favorite for save chances to begin -- and likely end -- the 2023 campaign.

Duran pitched a scoreless ninth inning while walking one and striking out one to earn the save Thursday against the Royals.

Duran was called upon to protect a two-run lead in the ninth inning. He allowed a one-out walk, though the lead never felt in danger and he collected his first save of the new campaign. Notably, Jorge Lopez recorded the final two outs of the seventh frame and does not currently appear to pose true competition to Duran for the closer role.

Duran threw a scoreless inning in Thursday's spring training loss to Toronto. Duran was hit by a line drive in his leg Sunday during a minor league game.

Duran only suffered a bruise and his leg shouldn't be an issue for Opening Day. He'll be a primary weapon in the Minnesota bullpen again, but manager Rocco Baldelli hasn't tipped his hand about his plan for the closer role this spring. While Duran may be Minnesota's best reliever, Baldelli usually runs his bullpen with disregard to the save statistic. Duran had eight saves and 18 holds with a 1.86 ERA over 67.2 innings as a rookie last season.

Duran (leg) is scheduled to pitch in Thursday's spring training game against Toronto, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

Duran took a line drive to the leg Sunday, but walked away with nothing more than a bruise. There never was much concern over his injury to begin with, and Duran himself said his leg is fine. The 25-year-old reliever was dominant last season, recording eight saves alongside a 1.86 ERA and 0.98 WHIP through 67.2 innings, and appears in line to have a similar 2023 campaign.

Duran sustained a leg contusion after being struck by a line drive during a backfield game Sunday, and manager Rocco Baldelli said the right-hander was "moving pretty well," Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

There doesn't seem to be much concern regarding the incident, so it appears Duran escaped with only a minor injury. The 25-year-old may be held out for a couple days but should return to the mound relatively quickly. Duran had eight saves and 18 holds with a 1.86 ERA over 67.2 innings as a rookie last season, and he may not see consistent saves this year since Baldelli prioritizes late-inning matchups over the usage of a traditional closer.

Duran has thrown five scoreless innings with seven strikeouts and two walks this spring. He reached 101.1 mph with his fastball in his last outing Thursday.

Duran has already been in mid-season form with his velocity and looks ready for the regular season. He'll be a primary weapon in the Minnesota bullpen, but manager Rocco Baldelli hasn't tipped his hand about his plan for the closer role this spring. While Duran may be the best reliever, Baldelli usually runs his bullpen in disregard to the save statistic. Duran may be used in high-leverage matchups with Jorge Lopez pitching the ninth inning, for example. However, Duran's elite velocity and prior success are traits that could lead Baldelli to break with tradition and use him as the primary closer.

Duran (hamstring) threw live batting practice Sunday, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

Duran pulled out of consideration for the World Baseball Classic after he suffered a mild hamstring injury in January, but he's recently been throwing bullpen sessions and is now facing live batters. The 24-year-old was dominant as a rookie last year and recorded eight saves and 18 holds with a 1.86 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 89:16 K:BB over 67.2 innings. Duran is likely the Twins' best reliever, but he could open the season splitting save chances with Jorge Lopez.

Duran bowed out of the World Baseball Classic because of a mild hamstring injury, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

Duran is all good now -- he's been throwing regular bullpen sessions at Twins camp -- but he decided to remove himself from consideration for the Dominican Republic's bullpen when he experienced a bit of hamstring tightness last month. The 25-year-old burst onto the MLB scene in 2022 and is expected to have a share of the closer role in Minnesota this season. Jorge Lopez looks like the primary frontrunner for saves.

Duran earned the save Sunday in Cleveland, striking out two and walking one in the ninth inning of a 3-0 victory.

Facing the heart of the Guardians' lineup, Duran navigated a walk and kept Cleveland off the board to earn the save. It was his second save in the last four days and he's now 8-for-8 in save chances on the season. The rookie has a 0.76 ERA, 0.93 WHIP and 36:8 K:BB in 23.2 innings since the All-Star break. With Jorge Lopez's recent struggles, Duran may get more save chances over the final couple of weeks.

Duran earned a save against Kansas City on Thursday, allowing two hits and striking out two batters in a scoreless ninth inning.

With the Twins up one run heading into the ninth inning, manager Rocco Baldelli called upon Duran to notch the tough save. The right-hander allowed consecutive singles to start the frame but retired the next three batters -- the final two by strikeout -- to slam the door. Regular closer Jorge Lopez has struggled of late, giving up four runs over his past 4.1 innings. Given Duran's dominance this season (he holds a 1.70 ERA and 84:14 K:BB over 63.2 innings), it wouldn't be surprising to see him get more opportunities to close down the stretch.

Duran struck out two in a perfect inning Monday against the Royals to secure the hold.

The rookie reliever set down the Royals in order in the eighth inning to earn his fifth hold since the beginning of August and his 15th on the season. With a fastball that routinely hits triple digits and a curveball and changeup that he can call on at any time, Jhoan has been one of the most effective relievers this season. His 2.32 xFIP is good for second among all pitchers who have thrown at least 50 innings this season.

Duran picked up the save Saturday against the White Sox. He allowed three hits and zero walks while striking out three over two scoreless innings.

His pitch count ticked up to 40 by the end -- a season high -- but Duran was able to get Tim Anderson to ground out to shut the door in the ninth. Duran now has six saves this season to go along with a dominant 51:8 K:BB over 42 innings, and with Emilio Pagan out of the closer role for Minnesota, Duran should have plenty of chances to add to his saves total in the second half.

Duran (0-3) took the loss in Saturday's 9-7 loss against Texas, allowing two runs on three hits while striking out none and walking one over one inning.

Duran gave up what would be the game-tying and game-winning runs for the Rangers in the eighth inning thanks to a Marcus Semien RBI triple and a Mitch Garver RBI single. Those two runs were the first Duran has allowed since June 9. The righty had reduced his ERA to 1.95 prior to Saturday's contest, but it now sits at 2.37.

Duran picked up the save Sunday against the Rockies, allowing no runs and no hits while striking out two and walking none over one inning.

Duran threw 13 of 18 pitches for strikes Sunday, earning his fifth save of the season. It was his first save since May 24, though he has picked up five holds in the meantime. The righty has been lights out in June, allowing two runs across 10.2 innings for a 1.69 ERA. Duran now has a 2.18 ERA for the season and may have earned some more save opportunities after another stellar performance.

Duran is likely to serve as Minnesota's primary closer for this weekend's three-game series at Toronto after Emilio Pagan (not injury related) was placed on the restricted list Friday, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

The rookie right-hander is already seeing occasional save chances for Minnesota this year with four saves in 18 appearances, and he's now expected to be the primary option this weekend with Pagan not traveling to Canada. Duran has been excellent in his first taste of the majors with a 2.22 ERA, 0.74 WHIP and impressive 35:4 K:BB over 24.1 innings.

Duran pitched a scoreless ninth inning on his way to a save in Tuesday's 2-0 win over the Tigers. He hit a batter and allowed a base knock.

With Emilio Pagan unavailable after working two innings Monday, Duran was called upon in the ninth Tuesday. He allowed a single to Miguel Cabrera to open the frame and hit Jeimer Candelario with one out in the inning, but he was able to get Willi Castro to ground into a double play to end the game. The 24-year-old now has now converted all four of his save opportunities this year while also snagging four holds. Duran has posted a 2.53 ERA and 0.75 WHIP with 31 punchouts over 21.1 innings in 16 appearances in 2022. Pagan still appears the favorite for the ninth inning, but the rookie seems to be a budding star in the big-leagues.

Duran struck out two and earned a save during a perfect inning against the Royals on Sunday.

Duran threw 14 of 17 pitches for strikes and forced five whiffs in a dominant outing to earn his third save. The 24-year-old flamethrower threw seven fastballs in the appearances, all ranging between 100-102 miles per hour. He lowered his season ERA to 2.66 with an outstanding 31:3 K:BB through 20.1 innings.

Duran picked up his second save of the season Saturday against the Athletics, striking out five and allowing one walk in two hitless, scoreless innings.

Duran entered the top of the eighth with a one-run lead and promptly struck out the side. He had a bit more of an adventurous ninth inning, walking Seth Brown with two outs before hitting Sean Murphy, but he struck out Christian Bethancourt to secure the save. He now owns a 3.68 ERA and a 42.1 percent strikeout rate through 14.2 innings this season.

Duran struck out one batter in a perfect inning and earned a save over the Orioles on Monday.

Getting the first save chance of his MLB career, Duran needed just 10 pitches to finish off the 2-1 victory against Baltimore. The 6-foot-5 righty has struck out eight batters during his active six-inning scoreless streak. He's lowered his ERA to 3.00 through 12 innings on the year.

Duran threw two scoreless innings with four strikeouts and a walk in his MLB debut in Friday's loss to Seattle. He reached 100 mph with his fastball on six pitches. Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said he plans to use Duran in the middle innings while he adjusts to the majors, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Duran gave up hits to the first two batters he faced and then struck out the side in his first inning. Duran entered the game in the fifth inning and may be used in similar lower-leverage outings in the short term, but he could be closing games before too long.

Duran will make Minnesota's Opening Day roster, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

One of Minnesota's top pitching prospects, Duran is coming off a 2021 season in which he was limited to just 16 innings due to an elbow issue. He's thrown six scoreless innings this spring with eight strikeouts and has reached 100 mph with his fastball. He could easily be sent to Triple-A with a slow start, but he could also quickly find a high-leverage role in the bullpen.

Duran is a candidate to win a spot on the pitching staff to begin the season, MLB.com reports. "I wouldn't put him in a box, saying he's going down soon and that's the end of it," manager Rocco Baldelli said. "We're going to keep letting him pitch and let him show us what he is right now. I think he's getting to that point in his career where he's right on the brink of helping a big league team win a lot of games."

Duran is one of Minnesota's top pitching prospects, but he threw just 16 innings last season due to elbow issues. He threw two scoreless innings in his spring debut and touched 100.4 mph with his fastball. It sounds like he's being considered for the bullpen, but the Twins do have an opening in the rotation as well.

Duran threw two scoreless innings with two strikeouts in his spring debut Saturday against the Red Sox. He reached 100.4 mph with his fastball, according to Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com.

Duran is one of Minnesota's top pitching prospects, but he threw just 16 innings last season due to elbow issues. He could contend for the major league rotation later this season, but his workload may be managed as he works his way back to form, Park also reports.

Duran (elbow) will be shut down for 5-to-6 weeks but will not need surgery for the time being, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

Duran suffered an elbow strain on June 20. That no surgery was recommended at this time is a positive, though the team will be without one of its better pitching prospects for much -- if not all -- of the remainder of the season. Duran has thrown only 16 innings on the campaign, as he also dealt with a trapezius issue.

Duran (elbow) has been shut down for the time being and will be further evaluated in the coming days, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

Duran was placed on the 7-day IL on Sunday with a strained right elbow. The highly touted prospect will go through further imaging to see if there is anything more serious going on with his elbow. He will not throw for at least the next few days, and depending on the results of the additional imaging, possibly much longer.

Duran was placed on the 7-day injured list at Triple-A St. Paul with a strained right forearm, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

The 23-year-old missed the start of the season while dealing with trapezius tightness, and he'll now be sidelined by a forearm injury. Duran is Minnesota's top pitching prospect, and it's unclear how long he's expected to be on the shelf.

Duran (shoulder) returned from the injured list Saturday to make his first start of the season at Triple-A St. Paul. He gave up one run over three innings with six strikeouts and one walk.

Duran went on the injured list after suffering from trapezius tightness during spring training. Duran relies on a power sinker that has touched triple digits on the radar gun, but likely needs to develop a third pitch to remain a starter. The top Twins pitching prospect could make his debut with Minnesota later this season.

Duran has only recently started throwing after having some trapezius tightness in spring training, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports.

Duran is a few weeks away from returning, according to the report. He'll begin the season on the injured list at Triple-A St. Paul as a result.

The Twins optioned Duran to their minor-league camp Sunday, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Along with Duran, fellow pitchers Dakota Chalmers, Jordan Balazovic and Bailey Ober were also optioned as Minnesota made its first cuts of spring training. The Twins are expected to send the 23-year-old fireballer to Double-A Wichita or Triple-A St. Paul to continue his development as a starter, though Duran could make his big-league debut as a reliever once he's ultimately called up from the minors.

Duran was included in Minnesota's 60-man player pool ahead of summer camp before the 2020 season begins, MLB.com reports.

Duran has an ability to generate groundballs at an elite clip (65.4 GB% at Low-A, 52.9 GB% at High-A, 63.3 GB% at Double-A since joining the Twins), which could make him an option in the bullpen this season, even though he'll likely begin the season at Minnesota's alternate training site.

Duran was optioned to the minor leagues on Monday.

Duran was added to the 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 draft back in November, but he's only made seven starts at the Double-A level, so it's hardly surprising to see him sent to minor-league camp. The Twins haven't announced his destination to start the season, but he's likely to need a bit more time in Double-A.