MIAMI -- Phillies closer Jhoan Duran is expected to be back in the bullpen on Tuesday night.
Interim manager Don Mattingly said on Monday afternoon prior to the series finale against the Marlins at loanDepot park that the Phils plan to activate Duran from the 15-day injured list before their series opener against the A’s at Citizens Bank Park.
Duran could have been activated on Monday, but after touching 100 mph in a bullpen session on Saturday, the Phillies wanted to give him another day. He has not pitched for Philadelphia since April 11 because of a strained left oblique.
Mattingly indicated on Sunday that Duran would not need a rehab assignment. Duran also said he didn’t think he needed one.
“Could you hit him at 100? I don’t know," Mattingly said.
Duran was 1-1 with a 1.35 ERA and five saves in seven appearances before the injury. The Phillies’ bullpen has a 4.59 ERA since he last pitched. Not surprisingly, perhaps, the Phils have had only one ninth-inning save opportunity since April 11.
Brad Keller allowed a run in the ninth inning on Friday night against Miami, but he earned the save.