Phillies connected to multiple relievers in recent trade rumor

The Phillies went into Thursday tied for the most blown saves (17) in the National League and ranked 11th in bullpen ERA at 4.39. It certainly has not helped that flame-throwing lefty Jose Alvarado was hit with an 80-game suspension for PED use in mid-May. Offseason addition Jordan Romano, a two-time All-Star, has likewise not provided much help, struggling to a 7.44 ERA over 36 appearances. 

With all that, it's understandable that the Philadelphia front office is reportedly targeting late-inning help on the mound. One recent report from Phillies beat writer Matt Gelb of The Athletic connects the team to not one but two different high-leverage arms from the Minnesota Twins: Griffin Jax and Jhoan Duran. 

First things first, it remains to be seen if the Twins, currently just three games out of an AL wild-card spot, plan on selling. Jax's ERA is up a bit this year at 4.12, but his FIP (1.92) tells a different story and a 64-10 K/BB across 39.1 innings is elite. The 30-year-old righty remains a key figure in the Twins' bullpen. 

Duran would likely cost even more in a return package from the Phillies, as he is a dominant closer that should have probably been given his first All-Star nod this year. The Dominican sinkerballer has nailed down 14 saves this season to go with a fantastic 1.52 ERA over 41.1 frames. His repertoire bodes well for homer-happy Citizens Bank Park, as Duran has yet to allow a longball this year. 

It certainly seems that Dave Dombrowski is focused on providing a bullpen boost for the Phillies before this month's trade deadline, as Julian McWilliams of CBS Sports reported the following recent statement from Philadelphia's president of baseball operations.

"By default, I would say the back end of our bullpen is the one area that we would probably [upgrade]. And when I say back end, people that can pitch late in the game and close tight games." 

Either Jax or Duran would be a strong addition for a team looking to fill any voids that could potentially cost it a shot at a World Series title. Should the Phillies stay the course they have been on this season, a fourth straight trip to the playoffs awaits.