Is A Bullpen Move Next For Phillies Pitcher Jesus Luzardo?

David

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Post on Jun 23, 2025

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Is a Bullpen Move Next for Phillies Pitcher Jesus Luzardo?

The Philadelphia Phillies' season hasn't unfolded as many predicted. While they're still in contention, inconsistencies in their pitching rotation have become a major point of concern. One name consistently swirling in the rumor mill is that of young left-hander Jesus Luzardo. Is a move to the bullpen the next step for the talented, yet frustrating, pitcher?

The question isn't whether Luzardo possesses the stuff to succeed at the major league level; it's about harnessing that potential consistently. His electric fastball, coupled with a devastating slider and developing changeup, gives him the arsenal to dominate hitters. However, command issues and a tendency to implode have plagued him throughout his career, leading to a mixed bag of dazzling performances and frustratingly short outings.

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Luzardo's 2023 Season: A Rollercoaster Ride

Luzardo's 2023 season has been a microcosm of his career. He's shown flashes of brilliance, striking out batters with ease and showcasing the potential that made him a highly touted prospect. However, these brilliant performances are often followed by outings where walks balloon, his pitch count skyrockets, and he struggles to navigate the opposing lineup. This inconsistency has made him a liability for the Phillies, leading to questions about his long-term viability as a starting pitcher.

• High strikeout rate: Luzardo's ability to miss bats is undeniable. He ranks among the league leaders in strikeouts per nine innings.
• High walk rate: Unfortunately, this is balanced by a concerningly high walk rate, a persistent problem throughout his career. This leads to shorter outings and increased strain on the bullpen.
• Inconsistent command: This lack of control is the biggest hurdle Luzardo needs to overcome. Even on his good days, bouts of wildness can derail his performance.

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The Bullpen as a Potential Solution?

Moving Luzardo to the bullpen could be a strategic move to mitigate his inconsistencies and maximize his strengths. In a shorter relief role, he wouldn't need to worry about pacing himself over multiple innings. He could unleash his full arsenal without the pressure of navigating a lineup multiple times. This could lead to more dominant performances and allow him to focus on refining his command in a less demanding environment. Many successful starting pitchers have transitioned to the bullpen and thrived, such as [link to an article about successful bullpen pitchers] highlighting that this isn't an uncommon or necessarily career-ending adjustment.

However, a move to the bullpen isn't without its risks. Luzardo might struggle to adapt to the different demands of relief pitching, requiring a shift in his preparation and approach. Furthermore, it could potentially stunt his development as a starting pitcher long-term.

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What's Next for Luzardo and the Phillies?

The Phillies face a critical decision. Sticking with Luzardo in the rotation carries the risk of continued inconsistency. Moving him to the bullpen offers a chance to harness his raw talent, but also carries the risk of hindering his long-term potential. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the Phillies' strategy and Luzardo's future role within the team. His performance in upcoming starts will be closely scrutinized, potentially shaping the team's decision on whether a bullpen move is the best course of action for both the pitcher and the team's playoff aspirations. Ultimately, the Phillies need a consistent Luzardo, and whether that's in the starting rotation or bullpen remains to be seen. Keep checking back for updates as the situation evolves.

What are your thoughts? Should the Phillies move Luzardo to the bullpen? Share your opinions in the comments below!