Newly acquired closer Jhoan Duran made a seamless debut for the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday, pitching a perfect ninth inning to close out a 5-4 victory over the Detroit Tigers. Just as important as his on-field performance, Duran also successfully secured his cherished No. 59 jersey, which had belonged to manager Rob Thomson.
The number holds significant sentimental value for Duran and his family—so much so that it is engraved in the design of their swimming pool in the Dominican Republic. Upon learning of the trade from the Minnesota Twins, Duran had to tell his wife, Aida, that he might have to surrender the number, a prospect she met with emotion.
However, the exchange with his new manager was simple. Duran said he respectfully approached Thomson, who willingly gave up the number.
“The number really doesn’t mean much to me,” Thomson said. “But if it makes you feel better, I’m all-in.”
Thomson, who has led the Phillies to three straight playoff appearances, adopted No. 49 in honor of former New York Yankees star Ron Guidry. The manager joked that the only person inconvenienced by the switch was his wife, Michele.
“The only one that’s upset at this point is my wife,” Thomson said. “All her merchandise has 59 on it. Now she has to go buy new stuff.”
Duran, 27, was acquired from the Twins on Wednesday for a pair of minor leaguers. In 49 appearances with Minnesota this season, he recorded 16 saves and a 2.01 ERA, striking out 53 batters over 49⅓ innings.
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