Luzardo Targets Playoff Return After Throwing Bullpen

Good News for the Rotation

Philadelphia Phillies All-Star left-hander Jesús Luzardo is confident he can pitch in the playoffs next week. He has been recovering from left shoulder inflammation. The injury forced him onto the 15-day injured list on September 15, three days after he was scratched from a start in Atlanta.

On Thursday, Luzardo threw about 30 pitches in a bullpen session. He used all of his pitches and reported feeling great. "Everything keeps trending in the right direction," Luzardo said. "Everything feels really good. Feel like normal."

Luzardo has had a stellar season, going 14-5 with a 2.87 ERA. He earned his first All-Star nod and ranked second in the National League with a career-high 221 strikeouts in 29 starts. He even threw a complete game shutout against Atlanta on September 7. He might throw a simulated game before the end of the weekend.

Starter or Reliever?

Interim manager Don Mattingly has not decided how the Phillies will use Luzardo in the Wild Card Series. He could start or come out of the bullpen. Mattingly noted that Luzardo looked good during his bullpen session and did not shake his shoulder.

Luzardo is ready for any role. He said he would pitch one, two, or three innings out of the bullpen, or even start. He said he would even be the bat boy if they asked, adding, "I just want to win." He also believes he is healthy enough to pitch seven innings in his first playoff start if the team needs it.

The Phillies have plenty of pitching depth. Zack Wheeler and Cristopher Sanchez are options to start the first two games of a short series. Aaron Nola is also in the mix after a strong second half. Rookie Andrew Painter is another option, and he was scheduled to start Thursday against the Brewers. Luzardo could also help a shaky bullpen that has struggled recently outside of Jhoan Duran and Alex McFarlane.

What it means for the next game

Milwaukee Brewers at Philadelphia Phillies (MLB, Thu, 24 Sep): Philadelphia Phillies win 51%, Milwaukee Brewers win 49%; projected score Philadelphia Phillies 5, Milwaukee Brewers 5. Our safest pick: Brewers +2.5.

Tampa Bay Rays at Philadelphia Phillies (MLB, Fri, 25 Sep): Philadelphia Phillies win 53%, Tampa Bay Rays win 47%; projected score Philadelphia Phillies 5, Tampa Bay Rays 4. Our safest pick: Rays +2.5.