Phillies' Jhoan Duran has 'dream come true' after first All-Star selection

Hosting the 96th annual All-Star Game, the Philadelphia Phillies will have five players represent them when the game kicks off on July 14. 

Two of the five Phillies players, outfielder Brandon Marsh and closer Jhoan Duran, were named to their first All-Star team, which is a "dream come true" for Duran. 

“It’s a dream come true,” Duran said to Todd Zolecki of MLB.com. “I’ve always wanted to be there. It happened this year. I’m always preparing in the offseason to be the best I can. Sometimes that doesn’t happen. Sometimes I’m better in the second half. This year I had a really good first half. I’m proud about what I did.”

Duran was the second-leading vote-getter among National League relievers. The "Durantula," as he is known, has recorded 21 saves in 22 opportunities, good for a 95.5% save percentage. According to Zolecki, this is the second-best save percentage in Phillies franchise history, with Brad Lidge's 41-for-41 save season in 2008 being the best. 

Jhoan Duran has been one of the best closers in the National League

Acquired from the Minnesota Twins at last season's trade deadline, Duran has established himself as one of the more dominant closers in the National League. His 21 saves this season are second to St. Louis Cardinals closer Riley O'Brien (22), who has four blown saves. 

Duran also carries a 1.52 ERA, a 0.94 WHIP, a .204 batting average against and has allowed five earned runs in 29 and 2/3 innings. The 28-year-old has allowed seven fewer walks (six) than San Diego Padres closer Mason Miller (13), who is considered the best closer in the National League. 

Not only is Duran one of the best closers in the NL, but he continues to establish himself as one of the best relievers in Phillies history. In a year since becoming a Phillie, Duran has tallied 37 saves, good enough for 21st all-time. 

Under contract for another season before becoming a free agent, Duran has a chance to move himself into the top 10 and beyond, especially if the Phillies decide to extend him. Jonathan Papelbon holds the Phillies' all-time saves record (123).