Philly Leader

Jesús Luzardo is set to begin a new chapter in his baseball career with the Philadelphia Phillies, following a trade from the Miami Marlins. The pitcher had his 2024 season cut short after just 12 starts due to a stress reaction in his lower back. However, Luzardo assured reporters during a Zoom call that he has fully recovered from the injury. “I feel 100 percent,” he stated.

The Phillies acquired Luzardo along with Minor League catcher Paul McIntosh in exchange for prospects Starlyn Caba and Emaarion Boyd. The team expects Luzardo to strengthen their rotation alongside pitchers Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Ranger Suárez, and Cristopher Sánchez.

Luzardo's performance with the Marlins included a record of 10-10 with a 3.58 ERA over 32 starts in 2023. Despite challenges last year, including left elbow tightness and lumbar stress issues that sidelined him since June, Luzardo remains optimistic about his future contributions to the Phillies' roster.

Discussing his previous injury struggles, Luzardo explained, “At one point it just basically gets really irritated and bothered... It got to the point where I just couldn’t do it anymore.” He emphasized that doctors have assured him such injuries typically heal well and are unlikely to recur.

This marks the third time Luzardo has been traded since being drafted by the Nationals in 2016. He expressed surprise at learning of his latest trade while preparing for a fishing trip on December 22 but is enthusiastic about joining the Phillies: “I’m super excited... now [I'm] looking forward to being on the home side.”