Phillies pitcher Jesus Luzardo has delivered an unexpected standout season as he heads into his final regular season start on Wednesday. Luzardo, who joined the Phillies from the Marlins, has impressed with his performance, compiling a 14-7 record and a 4.08 ERA. Manager Rob Thomson noted his surprise at Luzardo’s strong showing, emphasizing the pitcher’s ability to overcome hurdles and deliver career-high innings and strikeouts.
While Luzardo’s ERA may not be exceptional, Thomson pointed out various circumstances, including a mid-season slump and strategic decisions affecting game outcomes. Despite these challenges, Luzardo’s resilience and mental fortitude have been commendable.
Health updates remain a concern for the team, with X-rays showing no fracture for J.T. Realmuto’s injured hand, though he was still held out from Wednesday’s game. Bryce Harper continues to recover from an illness, with hopes of his return soon. Meanwhile, shortstop Trea Turner is working towards full recovery from a hamstring issue, with increased participation in workouts.
Concerns about the bullpen surfaced after a shaky performance in the recent game against the Marlins, where relievers struggled to secure a win despite a strong start from Cristopher Sanchez. Thomson attributed some of the bullpen issues to rustiness and execution problems, expecting improvement moving forward.
On a positive note, infielder Edmundo Sosa returned from the injury list and was immediately slotted into the lineup, while Donovan Walton was designated for assignment to make room for Sosa.
With the postseason approaching, the Phillies aim to solidify their roster and strategies to make a strong playoff run. Luzardo’s performance will be crucial in their lineup, and the team continues to monitor and manage player health to ensure peak performance as they head into the playoffs.