The Philadelphia Phillies' spring training lineup has featured several new faces, including veteran pitcher Jesus Luzardo. The 27-year-old southpaw was traded from the Miami Marlins to the Phillies back in December and is looking for a fresh start after missing the majority of the 2024 MLB season with a lower-back injury.
After last pitching in June, Luzardo finally made his return to the diamond when he started Friday's spring training showdown with the Philadelphia Phillies. The former 2016 third-rounder dazzled in his Phillies debut, recording two strikeouts without a hit allowed across a pair of scoreless innings.
Phillies News: KHP Jesus Luzardo Reacts to Spring Training Debut
Following the Phillies' 7-5 win, Luzardo couldn't contain his excitement to be back on an MLB mound — even if it's only a meaningless spring training game.
"It definitely feels like I'm back and healthy," Luzardo said, per NBC Sports Philadelphia's Corey Seidman. "It's not forced; it's not over-exerting myself. It's more free and easy working down the mound... The arm just feels alive again."
"The arm just feels alive again," Jesus Luzardo said after 2 crisp innings in his first game action since last June.https://t.co/PutZ9VfCdd
— Corey Seidman (@CSeidmanNBCS) February 28, 2025
Luzardo was traded — along with minor-league catcher Paul McIntosh — to the Phillies in exchange for prospects Emaarion Boyd and Starlyn Caba back on Dec. 22. The hope was to give the Peruvian lefty a fresh start after last season's back injury limited him to 12 starts with the Marlins, resulting in a 3-6 record, 5.00 ERA, and 1.245 WHIP.
It'll be interesting to see if Luzardo's rehab, combined with him joining the Phillies, will help get him back on track. After all, the veteran lefty showed his potential during a 2023 campaign that saw him set career highs in wins (10) and strikeouts (208) while pitching to a respectable 3.58 ERA in 32 starts.
Fortunately, Luzardo showed glimpses of his old self during his performance against the Red Sox. He recorded 14 strikes on just 19 pitches while throwing out several balls that hit at least 96 mph on the radar gun. Building off that showing is crucial if he wants to be on the Opening Day roster.
In the meantime, Luzardo plans on doing whatever it takes to improve his chances. That includes soaking in information stemming from a proven Phillies pitching staff that includes names like Aaron Nola, Zack Wheeler, and Cristopher Sanchez.
"It's nice to be a part of this and gel with the guys," Luzardo admitted. "I think we can bounce ideas off each other and grow into something great."
Time will tell if Luzardo & Co. have what it takes to pull off "something great" during the 2025 MLB season. A potential championship run isn't out of the question this fall, considering how the Phillies currently hold the fourth-best World Series odds (+1000) on FanDuel Sportsbook.
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