Phillies get mixed update on Jesus Luzardo amid shoulder injury issue

1 month ago 12

The Philadelphia Phillies were dealt a rough blow recently when Jesus Luzardo, arguably their best pitcher at the time of this news, was placed on the injured list with a shoulder injury.

While it's not likely to be a long-term problem lingering into next year, his late-season placement on the IL put him at risk of missing the postseason.

However, the update from Matt Gelb of The Athletic brought some good news. But in the same update, Luzardo's potential role with the team upon his return is one that might not be as exciting for Phillies fans.

Phillies get mixed results from Jesus Luzardo update

"Jesus Luzardo, sidelined by left shoulder inflammation, continues to project confidence. But he has yet to pick up a baseball during his recovery," Gelb writes. "He could be nearing clearance."

That clearance to throw is something that finally came true Sunday morning, as Luzardo was back in the outfield and throwing, just as Gelb alluded to.

There's still a question about when his return will actually come, and whether he's going to be ready to pitch, not just throw in the outfield. But this is a very good sign for the Phillies nonetheless.

However, it comes with a catch. Gelb reports that "If Luzardo can beat the race against time, he could return in the postseason as a reliever."

Getting Luzardo back would be a huge boost for the Phillies. But that's mainly if he's going to be a part of the starting rotation.

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This report from Gelb seemingly indicates Luzardo's return might come as a reliever, not as a starter. That would put al ot more onus on Cristopher Sanchez, Zack Wheeler, and Aaron Nola. Andrew Painter might even be forced to make a start or two if needed.

Luzardo coming out of the bullpen, even if it's for an inning or two or three, would be much better than not having him. But compared to the possibility of starting and going six-plus innings, this is not an ideal situation.

So, while the Phillies got some good news on Luzardo's return, the role of a reliever is not very exciting for the Phillies. Getting him back would be huge, but as a reliever, his impact wouldn't be as great as if he were starting.