UPDATE: In an exciting turn of events for the Philadelphia Phillies, newly acquired closer Jhoan Duran will keep his cherished No. 59 jersey, thanks to manager Rob Thomson, who just confirmed the decision.
Duran’s emotional attachment to the number nearly brought his wife, Aida Duran, to tears when he mentioned the possibility of giving it up after his trade from the Minnesota Twins on Wednesday. The number is not only a personal symbol for Duran but also holds sentimental value, being engraved in the design of their family pool in the Dominican Republic.
During Duran’s first conversation with Thomson, he expressed his desire to keep No. 59. In a lighthearted exchange, Thomson, who led the Phillies to three consecutive playoff appearances, readily agreed to relinquish the number without hesitation. “The number really doesn’t mean much to me,” Thomson stated, showing support for his new player. “But if it makes you feel better, I’m all-in. Then it’s all yours.”
The humorous twist to the story? Thomson’s wife, Michele Thomson, might be the only one unhappy about the switch, as she will now have to update her merchandise collection to reflect her husband’s new number, 49, which he chose in honor of former Yankees star Ron Guidry.
Duran, 27, arrives in Philadelphia with an impressive record, boasting 16 saves and a 2.01 ERA in 49 appearances this season. He struck out 53 batters in just 49.1 innings with the Twins before the trade, confirming his potential impact on the Phillies’ bullpen.
This development comes as the Phillies gear up for a crucial three-game series against the Detroit Tigers, starting today. Fans are eager to see how Duran will perform in his new role, and there’s palpable excitement surrounding his debut wearing the iconic No. 59.
As the baseball world watches closely, Duran’s transition to the Phillies is not just about numbers; it’s about the emotional connections that players have with their identities on the field. The decision by Thomson reflects a supportive team culture, emphasizing camaraderie and mutual respect.
Stay tuned for more updates as Duran prepares to make his mark in Philadelphia. The excitement is building, and fans are ready to see him shine.
