Jhoan Duran is showing he's everything the Phillies needed

Despite appearing in just four games for the Philadelphia Phillies, closer Jhoan Duran has already made an impact.

Duran slammed the door shut again on Sunday afternoon, notching his fourth save in as many games as he closed out the Phillies' 4-2 victory over the Rangers. He has allowed just one hit over four scoreless innings, striking out three as he has retired 12 of the 13 batters he has faced since he was acquired at the trade deadline.

The ninth inning had been a revolving door yet again for the Phillies this season. Closer Jose Alvarado had performed well, posting a 2.70 ERA and a 1.200 WHiP over his 20 innings, but was suspended for 80 games for violating the league's substance abuse policy. Jordan Romano has been inconsistent at best, moving in and out of the closer role as he has posted a 6.64 ERA and a 1.347 WHiP over 39.1 innings entering Monday, striking out 41 batters with 15 walks. Although relievers Orion Kerkering and Matt Strahm have pitched well, the Phillies have been reluctant to hand either the closer role. 

The Phillies paid handsomely to bring Duran on board. Pitcher Mick Abel and catcher Eduardo Tait are both top-100 prospects and could be building blocks in Minnesota for years to come. Moving Duran could pay long-term dividends for the Twins.

Meanwhile, the Phillies have a different goal in mind — winning the third World Series in franchise history. A constant revolving door in the ninth inning has kept that goal out of reach. While it is just a four-game sample size, Duran has been everything that the Phillies could have hoped for in their closer.