Mattingly's Early Duran Move Backfires in Game 1 Loss — SkimNews
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- Don Mattingly deployed All-Star closer Jhoan Duran, his "best reliever," earlier than customary in Game 1 of the best-of-three NL Wild Card Series against the Braves.
- Jhoan Duran allowed a three-run homer in that early appearance, and the Phillies dropped Game 1.
Why it matters: In a short best-of-three Wild Card Series, every bullpen decision carries amplified weight — using the ace reliever early and getting burned leaves Philadelphia with one game of margin and a rested Braves lineup to navigate in Game 2.
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