Luzardo Nears Playoff Return
Phillies All-Star Jesús Luzardo throws bullpen session as potential playoff return nears
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Key Points
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Luzardo was placed on the 15-day injured list on Sept. 15, retroactive to Sept. 12, after being scratched from a start at Atlanta; he had gone six days without throwing before resuming his throwing program.
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Thursday’s bullpen was a full-intensity session in which Luzardo used his complete arsenal, rather than just testing his shoulder with a light throwing workout.
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Luzardo said the injury layoff had been stressful and frustrating because he wanted to compete alongside his teammates, and that feeling healthy again was a relief.
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Luzardo said he believed he could pitch seven innings in his first playoff start if needed. He also pitched in relief during last season’s NL Division Series against the Dodgers.
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The Phillies could clinch a playoff spot Thursday with a win over Milwaukee and a loss by San Diego in Los Angeles; Zack Wheeler was lined up for Wild Card Game 1 and Cristopher Sánchez for Game 2, assuming Wheeler did not need to pitch the regular-season finale.
Jesús Luzardo threw 30 pitches in a bullpen session Thursday, his first time on a mound in 13 days, and said his shoulder felt normal Kentucky. The Phillies All-Star left-hander is recovering from shoulder inflammation and hopes to return for the Wild Card Series, which starts Tuesday. His response Friday and a planned session facing hitters will determine if he can pitch in the playoffs.
Luzardo went 14-5 with a 2.87 ERA this season with 221 strikeouts Myrtle Beach Online. Philadelphia has not ruled out using him as a starter, though he could return in relief after missing games since Sept. 7. The Phillies need him healthy as they pursue a postseason berth.
From Injured List to Full-Intensity Throwing
Luzardo was placed on the 15-day injured list Sept. 15, retroactive to Sept. 12, after being scratched from a start in Atlanta Tri-City Herald. He had gone six days without throwing before resuming his program. Thursday's bullpen was a full-intensity session where he used his complete arsenal, not just a light test.
The layoff had been stressful and frustrating for Luzardo because he wanted to compete with his teammates BND. Feeling healthy again was a relief. He said he believed he could pitch seven innings in his first playoff start if needed.
Playoff Timeline and Rotation Plans
The National League Wild Card Series begins Tuesday. Zack Wheeler is lined up for Game 1 and Cristopher Sánchez for Game 2, assuming Wheeler does not pitch the regular-season finale Macon. Luzardo's availability could reshape those plans.
The Phillies could clinch a playoff spot Thursday with a win over Milwaukee and a San Diego loss in Los Angeles. Luzardo also pitched in relief during last season's NL Division Series against the Dodgers, showing he can handle playoff duty in multiple roles.
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