The Ramos roundup is a weekly Philadelphia sports column highlighting all the news of the week featuring the Eagles, Phillies, Flyers, Sixers, and Union.
Phillies Aquire Duran and Bader from Twins
Prior to taking two-of-three with the Tigers, the Phillies were plenty active at the MLB Trade Deadline. Philly got Twins closer Jhoan Duran on Wednesday for RHP Mick Abel and catching prospect Eduardo Tait. Then, on Thursday, Philly reengaged with Minnesota to pick up outfielder Harrison Bader for Hendry Mendez (now the Twins No. 20 prospect) and RHP Geremy Villoria.
While Bader should marginally bolster the Phils centerfield depth, Duran is the truly the prize. Affectionally known as the “Durantula” for his intimidating professional wrestling style entrance into games, Duran’s wicked fastball-splitter combination can touch up to 104.8 mph, making him one of baseball’s best flame-throwers.
Additionally, the 28-year-old Dominican Republic native adds a dynamic element to the Phils bullpen that they didn’t previously have. He should help bring down Philadelphia’s 4.49 bullpen ERA, which is ranked 4th-worst in the National League this season. To be blunt, the pen has been erratic for most of the year. At it’s worst, it’s cost the Phillies ball games.
Duran, however, is the type of pitcher that can be relied on to protect a one-run lead with the bases loaded in the ninth inning; a true closer that can slam the door shut in a high leverage situation.
He is also under the Phillies control for the next two seasons before he is a free agent in 2028. Should the Phillies return to the World Series before then? He’ll be well worth the acquisition cost.
Union Draw 2-2 Eintracht Frankfurt in Friendly
Bruno Damiani and Chris Donovan each notched a goal Saturday night in the Union’s exhibition match with German Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt. Bradley Carnell dressed a strong lineup for this match, featuring regulars Kai Wagner, Nathan Harriel, Jakob Glesnes, Frankie Westfield at centerback. Jesus Bueno, Danley Jean Jacques, Quinn Sullivan and Indiana Vassilev occupied the midfield. Finally, Damiani and Mikhail Uhre lined up at striker in the win as well.
The Union return to league play next weekend for Retro Esports Night against Toronto FC. The match is set for a 7:30 p.m. kick-off from Subaru Park and will be broadcast on Apple TV – MLS Season Pass.
Eagles Football is Back
Don’t look now, but the defending Super Bowl Champions are back in action this week. On Thursday, the Eagles will host the Cincinnati Bengals in their first dress rehearsal of the 2025-2026 season. The game is set to begin at 7:30 p.m. and will broadcast locally on NBC10. The birds will play two more games this August before the games count for real on Thursday, September 4th.
