Wild Card Opener
Phillies Name Jesús Luzardo as Opener for Wild Card Game Against Braves
Anonymous
The Phillies will use Jesús Luzardo as an opener against the Braves in Game 1 of the National League Wild Card Series after activating him from the injured list for Sunday’s playoff-clinching finale. Returning from left shoulder inflammation after nearly three weeks without pitching, Luzardo needed four pitches to retire three Rays hitters in a scoreless inning. Manager Don Mattingly said the team does not know how long Luzardo can pitch, and the plan will depend on how he feels and performs. Rookie Andrew Painter is available in relief and could take on a substantial workload once Luzardo exits. Philadelphia’s options were constrained after Zack Wheeler pitched in the regular-season finale; Luzardo went 14-5 with a 2.87 ERA and 221 strikeouts in 2026.
Key Points
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Atlanta is set to counter with 37-year-old Chris Sale, whom the article describes as being at the peak of his career and among the sport’s best left-handers.
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The Phillies had considered Aaron Nola for the opening game but used him Saturday on two days’ rest in a last-ditch effort to start a bullpen game.
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J.T. Realmuto said he worried when he watched Luzardo warm up without throwing strikes, but was surprised when Luzardo retired three batters on four pitches.
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Mattingly acknowledged the Phillies’ bullpen games had not gone well during the season, saying the team would have to talk through the plan and try to get the game “off on a good foot.”
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