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Phillies’ Proposed Pitching Shakeup Would Move Top Offseason Addition to Bullpen
Michael Laughlin-Imagn Images

Over the offseason, the Phillies’ gamble on Jesús Luzardo didn’t seem like a low-risk bet. Last season, after two consecutive quality years, Luzardo hit the IL with two different injuries and finished with an ERA of 5.00. However, he came to Philadelphia with enormous potential.

To start 2025, Luzardo quickly justified the faith the Phillies placed in him. As recently as May 28, he owned a 2.15 ERA and had established himself as one of the game’s most dominant arms. That day, Luzardo would give up 12 runs in 3.1 innings. In his very next start, he would be charged with eight runs over 2.1 innings, raising concerns over pitch tipping.

Since his two blowups, Luzardo has settled back in. Still, one writer recently suggested moving him to the bullpen. In an article from The Athletic, Charlotte Varnes rejected the rumor that Ranger Suarez, who has been one of the league’s best starters, should be moved to the bullpen later this season or in the playoffs, instead insisting that job should fall to Luzardo due to his lopsided pitch counts.

“Dombrowski told The Athletic he does not anticipate moving a starter to the bullpen anytime soon,” Varnes wrote. “Any changes would likely come late in the regular season or during the postseason, he said.

“Those dates are far away. But there’s an early candidate for the move: Jesús Luzardo, who has stumbled somewhat since recovering from potentially tipping and surrendering 20 runs to the Cubs and Brewers. Luzardo has worked high pitch counts early in recent outings; it was 13 after the first inning on Saturday, which jumped to 44 after facing six batters in the second. 

"His pitch count sat at 35 after the second inning against the Marlins on June 17, when he also went five innings … There is plenty of time to make these decisions. But, for now, Luzardo looks like a worthwhile candidate for high-leverage bullpen situations later.” 

Varnes notes that Luzardo has remained sharp and previously pitched out of the bullpen during his time in Oakland. The 27-year-old southpaw owns a 4.06 ERA on the year. 

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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