Look: Jhoan Duran’s 100-MPH ‘Splinker’ Simply Defies Explanation

Twins relief pitcher Jhoan Duran only faced three Giants batters on Wednesday, but he went viral for multiple pitches he threw while on the mound. 

For starters, all but two of Duran’s 13 pitches hit at least 100 mph, with three of them reaching 104 mph, which was the first time a pitcher has touched that speed during the 2023 season, according to MLB. Duran is only the eighth pitcher since 2008, when the pitch tracker was introduced, to hit 104 mph.

Not only were fans impressed with the 25-year-old’s velocity, but there was one pitch in particular that made fans marvel. Here’s the clip.

Jhoan Duran's 100.3mph Splinker with Tail.

This has to be one of the most ridiculous pitches I've seen. 😳 pic.twitter.com/LFKcQcojsu

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) May 24, 2023

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Duran threw a 100 mph “splinker,” which is the term used for a combined splitter and sinker. This happened to be the first pitch of Duran’s appearance. The closer caught Giants catcher Brian Sabol swinging.

The game ended with the Twins winning, 7–1, after Duran struck out two in the ninth. He now holds a 1.47 ERA and has struck out 24 batters in just 18 1/3 innings pitched.