Jesus Luzardo was off to a hot start to begin the season. Through 11 starts, he had a 2.15 ERA and became the fourth Phillie since 1912 to allow three or fewer earned runs in each of his first 11 starts. However, in his last two outings, Luzardo has pitched historically poorly. Following a 3 ⅓ inning, 12-run outing against the Milwaukee Brewers on May 31st, Luzardo on Thursday managed just 2 ⅓ innings and gave up another 8 runs against the Toronto Blue Jays.
Per Paul Casella of MLB.com, Luzardo became the first pitcher in MLB history to give up 20+ earned runs in fewer than 6 innings pitched over 2 starts.
After Wednesday’s start, Luzardo was asked about his recent performances. (h/t Jordan Horrobin, MLB.com)
"There’s something obvious that we’re missing. The first 11 starts are lights out, and then the next two are 20 earned runs. There’s gotta be something that we can find and fix and make that change. It has to happen fast."Jesus Luzardo
Luckily for the Phils, former first-round pick Mick Abel has blossomed in his first two major league starts and looks like a mainstay in the rotation for years to come. In his first two starts, Abel has a 1-0 record and has pitched 11.1 innings while only giving up one earned run and striking out 11 batters.
Luzardo has time to get back to his dominant self. The slumping Phils are down two of their best starting pitchers in Zack Wheeler, on paternity leave, and Aaron Nola, 15-day injured list. But as the team continues to fall in the NL East standings, it may be forced to promote its top prospect, and the 6th best prospect overall, in Andrew Painter. If that happens, Luzardo may lose his starting pitching role sooner rather than later.