Closer Jhoan Duran heads to 15-day IL as Phillies' early-season struggles continue

PHILADELPHIA – The Phillies placed Jhoan Duran on the injured list with a left oblique strain retroactive to April 15.Duran had not pitched during the week prior to the IL designation. He started the season with one earned run and five hits allowed in six and ⅔ innings of relief. Since Duran’s absence, the Phillies’ woes have mounted on all fronts  — starting pitching struggles and a cold offense have led the club to a 1-4 record since April 11.An early season string of bullpen IL stints, which also includes Jonathan Bowlan and Zach Pop, has tested the Phillies’ relief depth. For now, Duran is being replaced by Seth Johnson, who last pitched for the Phillies on April 13. He gave up three earned runs in 1 ⅔ innings before being sent back to Lehigh Valley.