Duran struck out two batters in a scoreless eighth inning and earned a hold during Monday's win over Seattle.

EDGE Analysis

Duran was called upon to face the Mariners' 9-1-2 hitters in a 3-1 contest. After earning a save in each of his first two appearances of 2024, he's picked up a hold in his last two games. Duran is the primary closing option in Minnesota but it appears there may be more of a committee than expected. Last season, he converted 27 of 32 saves and picked up only one hold.

Duran gave up a hit and struck out two in a scoreless eighth inning Saturday to record his first hold of the season in a 3-1 win over the Red Sox.

EDGE Analysis

The right-hander got the call to face the heart of Boston's order in the eighth rather than being held back for the save chance, and he got the job done without issue. Cole Sands then worked the ninth inning for the save. Duran had only one hold last season along with his 27 saves, and Twins manager Rocco Baldelli typically favors set roles in his bullpen over playing matchups in high-leverage spots, so there's no reason yet to assume this is a sign Duran will see less ninth-inning work than expected. He's appeared in three games since making his season debut Tuesday, posting a 5:0 K:BB over three scoreless frames and collecting saves in the other two contests.

Duran struck out two batters in a perfect inning to earn a save over the Red Sox on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Duran needed just 11 pitches to quickly retire the middle third of Boston's lineup in order. He's struck out three batters while grabbing a pair of saves in two appearances since returning from the injured lust. The 26-year-old posted terrific numbers last season -- 2.45 ERA and 12.1 K/9 through 62.1 innings -- and should see plenty of save chances throughout the year.

Duran gave up one hit and struck out a batter during a scoreless ninth inning to pick up the save during Tuesday's 6-5 win over the White Sox.

EDGE Analysis

In his first appearance since being reinstated from the injured list, Duran picked up right where he left off last season. He allowed a leadoff single to Tommy Pham before retiring the next three batters, ending the game with a four-pitch strikeout of Andrew Vaughn. It wasn't clear heading into Tuesday's game whether or not Duran would immediately slide back into the closer role after missing the first month of the season, but it appears manager Rocco Baldelli will trust the 26-year-old righty to work the ninth inning going forward.

The Twins activated Duran (oblique) from the 15-day injured list Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

Minnesota will finally have its closer healthy and available after Duran missed the first month of the season due to an oblique strain. The right-hander labored a bit during his first rehab outing, but he looked like himself during his second and final appearance Saturday, as he averaged 101.8 mph with his fastball. Manager Rocco Baldelli hasn't officially indicated whether or not Duran will immediately slot back in as the Twins' closer, but he seems likely to get ninth-inning chances sooner than later.

Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said that Duran (oblique) will likely be activated from the 15-day injured list Tuesday, Bobby Nightengale of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Duran has rejoined the Twins in Chicago following a pair of minor-league rehab appearances. While he won't be activated prior to Monday's series opener versus the White Sox, Duran looks like he just needed one additional day of recovery after making his most recent rehab appearance Saturday. Baldelli didn't say whether Duran would immediately regain his closer job or be eased back in upon his reinstatement, but fantasy managers should probably go ahead and activate the hard thrower for this week so as not to miss out on any potential saves he might net.

Duran (oblique) is with the Twins in Chicago for their series against the White Sox and his activation from the 15-day injured list appears imminent, Bobby Nightengale of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

There's no word on Duran possibly being activated Monday, but it sounds like he should join the roster at some point during the series. The closer has been out all season with a right oblique strain but is ready to roll after making two rehab appearances. It's possible manager Rocco Baldelli will want to see Duran in a low-leverage spot or two initially, but it shouldn't be long before he's closing again for the Twins.

Duran (oblique) averaged 101.8 mph with his fastball while striking out two in a scoreless inning in his second rehab appearance with Triple-A St. Paul on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

In his first rehab appearance April 23, Duran allowed two runs on four hits and didn't have his typical velocity, but he looked more like his normal, dominant self Saturday. He averaged 101.8 miles per hour with his fastball Saturday and induced three swings and misses on the four splitters he threw. The Twins haven't announced when Duran will be activated from the 15-day injured list, but it could be any day now, and perhaps as soon as Monday, when the team begins a three-game series with the White Sox. Duran has been out all season with a right oblique strain.

Duran (oblique) is scheduled for a second rehab appearance with Triple-A St. Paul on Friday, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

According to Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com, the right-hander averaged 98.1 mph with his fastball -- down a couple ticks from the usual triple digits -- and surrendered two runs on four hits over one inning during Tuesday's rehab outing, but he felt fine physically during and after the appearance. Duran said he dealt with some mechanical issues during spring training that affected his velocity, and it's possible those problems flared up again. It's unclear how many rehab outings the Twins are looking for, but the 26-year-old could return within the next week if he continues to progress with no issues.

Duran (oblique) will report to Triple-A St. Paul on Tuesday to begin a rehab assignment, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 26-year-old progressed to facing live batters Friday and has now been cleared for game action. Duran will likely require at least a few appearances with St. Paul before joining the Twins, and he could be activated before the end of April. It remains to be seen if manager Rocco Baldelli will ease Duran into high-leverage work or if the right-hander will immediately reclaim the closer role once reistated.