On Wednesday, the Marlins won their third consecutive series, largely thanks to Jesus Luzardo’s career-high eight scoreless innings. The Marlins desperately needed a good start from him because the majority of their rotation, Sandy Alcantara, Eury Perez, and Edward Cabrera, are all out with injuries. Luzardo is fresh off the injured list, which he ended up on in late April due to elbow tightness. Since coming off the IL on May 11, it’s like he’s another pitcher and has reverted to his former glory.
Jesús Luzardo was DEALING pic.twitter.com/63JtO0ZQau
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) May 23, 2024
Jesus Luzardo Shines In Recent Starts Off The Injured List
The Marlins acquired Jesus Luzardo in 2021 via a trade with the Oakland Athletics in exchange for Starling Marte. Since acquiring him, Luzardo has been one of the best starters for the Marlins. The left-hander had his best year in 2023, where he had a record of 10-10 with a 3.58 ERA, with 208 strikeouts in 178.2 innings. Luzardo is known for his strikeouts and came in fifth for the highest K/9 rate (10.48). Following this high, it was projected that Luzardo would be the head of the rotation and fill in Alcantara’s shoes. When he started 2024, he did not do well and through five starts he had a 0-2 record with 10.98 ERA and 27 strikeouts in 26 innings pitched. After this, he went on the 15-day IL with elbow tightness. He was reinstated in early May and made his first start against the division-leading Philadelphia Phillies.
In his last three starts, he has a 0.92 ERA, with 19 strikeouts and one walk in 19.2 innings pitched. In Luzardos’ most recent start against the Milwaukee Brewers, the lefty went eight innings with three hits and zero runs. At one point he even retired 17 straight and picked off Willy Adames at third.
Fue una noche BRILLANTE para Jesús Luzardo. 💎 pic.twitter.com/vjQJVL3XoQ
— MLB Venezuela (@MLBVenezuela) May 23, 2024
That April slump feels like a distant memory.
Jesús Luzardo last season: 3.55 FIP
Jesús Luzardo this season: 3.46 FIP https://t.co/6GFuznEt0k— Fish On First (@FishOnFirst) May 23, 2024
Luzardo’s recent success comes as a surprise and relief as he started the 2024 season with less favorable results. Also, his recent starts could turn eyes as he is rumored to be traded during the trade deadline. If he keeps this up, he’s going to be a hot commodity at the deadline and the Marlins can flip him for top end prospects of the future.
Main Photo Credits: Rich Storry-USA TODAY Sports
