Luzardo's All-Star Case: Why He Should Start For The National League

David

3 min read

Post on Jun 12, 2025

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Luzardo's All-Star Case: Why He Should Start for the National League

The 2023 MLB All-Star Game is just around the corner, and while many eyes are on the usual suspects, a compelling case can be made for Oakland A's pitcher Jesús Luzardo to not just make the team, but to start for the National League. While his current team's record might not reflect his individual brilliance, Luzardo's recent performance is undeniably All-Star caliber. This article will delve into the compelling arguments for his inclusion, focusing on his improved velocity, devastating arsenal, and overall impact on the game.

A Resurgence of Power and Precision:

Luzardo's career has been a testament to perseverance. After battling injuries and inconsistencies in his early years, he's finally unleashed his full potential in 2023. This season, he's showcased a significant uptick in velocity, consistently hitting the high-90s with his fastball. This added power complements his already impressive arsenal, which includes a devastating slider, a knuckle-curve, and a changeup that keeps hitters off balance. This improved velocity isn't just about throwing harder; it's about increased effectiveness, allowing him to dominate hitters with a combination of power and precision.

Dominating Performances Beyond the Box Score:

While wins and losses are often the primary metric, Luzardo's impact extends beyond the simple W/L column. His strikeout numbers are consistently impressive, showcasing his ability to overpower even the league's best hitters. He's consistently racking up high-quality starts, keeping his team in games even when offensive support is lacking. His ability to pitch deep into games, saving the bullpen and managing the game's flow, is another crucial aspect of his overall value. These contributions are often overlooked in a purely statistical analysis, but are vital to any successful team, including an All-Star squad.

The Case for a Starting Role:

Given his resurgence, the question isn't whether Luzardo deserves an All-Star nod, but whether he should be a starter. Consider the following:

• Dominant Stuff: His fastball velocity and the effectiveness of his secondary pitches make him a serious threat to any lineup.
• Clutch Performances: Luzardo consistently delivers when it matters most, showcasing the mental toughness needed to succeed at the highest level.
• Underappreciated Talent: While some All-Star selections are predictable, Luzardo represents a unique opportunity to showcase a rising star and reward consistent excellence.

Many will point to pitchers with flashier win-loss records, but a deeper dive reveals Luzardo's impact to be equally, if not more, significant. He embodies the spirit of overcoming adversity and achieving peak performance, qualities highly valued in an All-Star selection process.

Conclusion: A Bold Prediction, a Deserved Selection

Predicting All-Star rosters is always tricky, but the case for Jesús Luzardo is undeniable. His electrifying stuff, improved velocity, and game-changing ability make him a strong candidate, not just for a spot on the roster, but for a starting role in the 2023 National League All-Star team. He deserves the recognition, and baseball fans deserve to witness his talent shine on the biggest stage. Let's hope the selection committee sees the clear picture and rewards Luzardo with the well-deserved All-Star start. Let the discussion begin! What are your thoughts? Share your opinions in the comments below!