Twins Bullpen Ace Pulls Out Of World Baseball Classic With Injury

It was a big disappointment for the Dominican fireballer, but better safe than sorry.

A hamstring tweak during his ramp-up to pitching last month has now cost Minnesota Twins bullpen ace Jhoan Duran a chance to pitch for his country at the World Baseball Classic. 

🇩🇴WBC NEWS - DOMINICAN REPUBLIC🇩🇴

Per @DanHayesMLB, Jhoan Duran has withdrawn from playing in the World Baseball Classic.

Duran said he decided to opt out after experiencing some hamstring tightness while ramping up for the WBC. pic.twitter.com/6WouIQB1fY

— Shawn Spradling (@Shawn_Spradling) February 16, 2023

“I was waiting for that (but now) I’m not going,” Duran told Dan Hayes of The Athletic. “That’s not good. … (But) I need to be safe if I’m going to be ready for the season. The season is a big season for me." 

Indeed it is. Duran proved in 2022 to have one of the most electric arms in baseball, regularly topping the 100 MPH mark (and topping out at a sizzling 103) while posting a 1.86 ERA with a 0.97 WHIP. He struck out 89 in just 67.2 innings, while walking a mere 16. That 11.8 K/9 to 2.1 BB/9 was one of the best in the sport.

As a rookie, however, in his first year as a reliever, he wasn't entrusted with the full-time closer role, and posted eight saves. He's being counted on to play an even bigger role in the Twins' bullpen this season.

He says his hamstring will be good and ready to go for the season.

Photo: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports