HUGE BOOST: Jesús Luzardo Delivers Encouraging Update as Phillies Prepare for October

Philadelphia Phillies fans finally have something positive to celebrate.

After weeks of uncertainty surrounding Jesús Luzardo’s injured left shoulder, the All-Star pitcher has taken a major step toward a potential return for the postseason.

Luzardo threw approximately 30 pitches during a bullpen session Thursday, using his full arsenal and throwing with the intensity of a normal bullpen. Most importantly, he came away feeling good.

“Everything keeps trending in the right direction,” Luzardo said, adding that everything felt normal.

That is exactly the type of update Phillies fans wanted to hear.

A Major Step Forward

Luzardo has been sidelined since being placed on the 15-day injured list with left shoulder inflammation.

The timing of the injury was particularly frustrating because he had been pitching at an extremely high level.

The left-hander is 14–5 with a 2.87 ERA and 221 strikeouts in 29 starts this season. He also recorded his first career complete-game shutout against Atlanta earlier this month.

Now, however, there is renewed hope that Luzardo could be available when the Phillies begin their postseason journey.

Phillies interim manager Don Mattingly said the possibility of a postseason return is realistic if Luzardo continues progressing without a setback.

The Next Test Is Coming

The Phillies are not rushing him back.

Luzardo still needs to see how his shoulder responds after the bullpen session, and the club expects him to face live hitters in a simulated-game setting before determining the next step.

That test could provide a much clearer indication of whether he is ready for meaningful October innings.

And there is another intriguing possibility.

Luzardo could return as either a starter or a reliever.

The Phillies have not ruled out either role, giving the coaching staff flexibility depending on how quickly he is able to rebuild his workload.

Luzardo Is Ready For Whatever Role Phillies Need

Perhaps the most encouraging part of the update is Luzardo’s attitude.

The All-Star lefty made it clear that he doesn’t care whether Philadelphia asks him to start, pitch multiple innings out of the bullpen or take on a smaller role.

His priority is simply helping the Phillies win.

That mentality could become particularly valuable if Philadelphia enters October needing additional pitching options.

Phillies Fans Can Finally Breathe

There is still work to do.

Luzardo is not officially back yet, and another setback could change the timeline.

But Thursday’s bullpen session represents a significant development after his shoulder issue threatened to keep him away from the postseason.

For a Phillies team preparing for October, getting Luzardo back could provide another important pitching option alongside Zack Wheeler and Cristopher Sánchez.

The Phillies now wait for the next test.

And if Luzardo continues moving in the same direction, Philadelphia may soon have something it desperately wanted: