Phillies Make Jesus Luzardo Decision Amid Injury Concerns
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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Even after a disappointing playoff exit last year, the Philadelphia Phillies opted to run it back this season with largely the same roster.
However, the team did make one truly significant offseason move, swinging a blockbuster trade to add Miami Marlins starter Jesus Luzardo to an already strong rotation.
In six big-league seasons before the trade, Luzardo had shown great stuff on the mound but had struggled to stay healthy. He made only 12 starts last year as he was plagued with back and elbow problems.
As they brought him onto the team, the Phillies clearly felt they would be able to manage Luzardo's injuries. And so far they have been rewarded for their faith. Luzardo has been lights-out in his first 10 starts, logging a 1.95 ERA with 67 strikeouts across 60 total innings.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 10: Jesus Luzardo #44 of the Philadelphia Phillies pitches in the sixth inning prior to a weather delay against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on April 10, 2025 in Atlanta,...
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 10: Jesus Luzardo #44 of the Philadelphia Phillies pitches in the sixth inning prior to a weather delay against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on April 10, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)But as concerns about his injury history persist, the Phillies have made a decision to keep his workload as light as they can by giving him an extra day off between starts.
"The next start is going to be on regular rest with a day off following," manager Rob Thomson announced after Luzardo went six innings and 105 pitches against the Colorado Rockies on Tuesday, per Matt Gelb of The Athletic. "Maybe it's time to pull back a little bit, depending on what it looks like."
The Phillies have opted to schedule eight of Luzardo's starts after at least one day of extra rest and the team wants to stick with that plan as much as they can. Thomson said he'd also be watching Luzardo's pitch counts and innings totals closely.
"Oh, very close," Thomson added.
At some point, given how much success he's having, the tight reins might start to bother Luzardo. But as the Phillies look to carry a deep starting rotation all the way to the World Series this year, keeping him healthy seems to be the priority.
More MLB: Yankees Re-Thinking Trade Deadline Thanks to Will Warren: Is He 'Really That Good?'
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