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Jesús Luzardo Scratched From Start as MRI Shows Shoulder Inflammation

The Phillies are giving the left-hander short rest and using a bullpen opener to protect his availability for October.

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Sep 7, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Jesús Luzardo (44) throws a pitch during the ninth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • The Phillies scratched Luzardo from his scheduled Saturday start because he reported stiffness in his left shoulder and had trouble getting loose during a touch-and-feel bullpen session.
  • An MRI taken after the concern showed inflammation but no structural damage, and Luzardo said no injection was needed while he takes anti-inflammatory medication.
  • Philadelphia does not plan to place him on the 15-day injured list and is giving him a few days off, with a planned re-evaluation after the upcoming off-day and hope he can pitch next week.
  • The club opened Saturday’s game with Tim Mayza as an opener, a move that stretched an already taxed bullpen after an 11-inning loss the night before.
  • Luzardo’s heavy workload this season, including a recent 109-pitch complete game, explains the team’s precautionary approach because they want to avoid a lingering shoulder issue that could affect their late-season and postseason rotation plans.