What’s in a number? Everything for new Phillies reliever Jhoan Duran and a favor from his manager

PHILADELPHIA AP Jhoan Duran s wife almost cried when the closer narrated her he might have to surrender his No uniform number when he was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies The number has plenty of sentimental value to Duran Ornamental value too the number is engraved as part of the family pool design in the Dominican Republic Aidra Duran can save her tears Duran got to keep his number and wore his new Phillies uniform for the start of a three-game series against Detroit But as far as potentially unhappy wives go someone might have to check on Michele Thomson Rob Thomson s first call to the bullpen with Duran came when the reliever desired to check on the availability of No which belonged to the Phillies manager There was no high-end bargaining needed like when former Phillies great John Kruk once traded No to new reliever Mitch Williams for two cases of beer Thomson happily gave up the number to Duran and the former long-time New York Yankees coach took No in honor of former Yankees star Ron Guidry The only one that s upset at this point is my wife Thomson disclosed to laughter All her merchandise has on it Now she has to go buy new stuff Duran mentioned he tried to be respectful in his first talk with Thomson about wanting the number Thomson who led the Phillies to three straight playoff appearances had no issue giving it to the closer The number really doesn t mean much to me Thomson disclosed But if it makes you feel better I m all in He reported yeah Then it s all yours The -year-old Duran had saves and a ERA in appearances this season striking out in innings with the Minnesota Twins He was traded to the Phillies on Wednesday for a pair of minor leaguers AP MLB https apnews com MLB Source