Despite last year’s disappointing playoff exit, the Philadelphia Phillies chose continuity, keeping most of their roster intact for the current season. However, they did make one major splash during the offseason—acquiring starting pitcher from the Miami Marlins in a blockbuster trade.
Prior to the deal, he had flashed elite potential over six MLB seasons but had struggled to stay healthy, making just 12 starts last year due to elbow and back issues. The Phillies clearly believed they could manage his injury concerns, and so far, that belief is paying off. He has been dominant in his first 10 starts, posting a 1.95 ERA with 67 strikeouts over 60 innings.
Still, due to his injury history, Philadelphia is being cautious with his usage. The team has been intentionally spacing out his starts, giving him at least one extra day of rest before eight of his outings so far.
Manager Rob Thomson emphasized the team’s careful approach after Luzardo threw 105 pitches over six innings against the Rockies, saying, “The next start is going to be on regular rest with a day off following… Maybe it’s time to pull back a little bit, depending on what it looks like.”
Thomson also confirmed he’s closely monitoring Luzardo’s pitch counts and innings: “Oh, very close.”
While it’s possible that Luzardo may eventually grow frustrated with the restrictions, the Phillies are prioritizing his long-term health—especially with World Series aspirations hinging on the strength of their rotation.