Due to a back issue, the Miami Marlins have placed 26-year-old Peruvian pitcher Jesus Luzardo on the 15-day IL. The left-hander’s injury has been identified as a lumbar stress reaction. Luzardo is a former Oakland Athletics pitcher. Due to his injury, Shaun Anderson is being recalled from Triple-A to take the mound against the Mariners.
Marlins Place Jesus Luzardo On 15-Day Injured List https://t.co/i5vcMO2TIh pic.twitter.com/3eAVxJ5Bik
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Marlins Place Jesus Luzardo On Injured List
Jesus Lazardo Plagued By Injuries
Luzardo has been attempting to pitch through his back issue for weeks now. The Marlins were even going to scratch him from his last start against the Washington Nationals last Sunday. His back issue has inevitably had an impact on his pitching. Luzardo’s velocity was down during that start, but he can still pitch five innings against the Nationals.
The last thing you want to do is push through an injury as it can, without question, make it worse, especially with this being Luzardo’s second time landing on the IL this season. He missed about three weeks recovering from tightness in his elbow, which was also his throwing elbow. Luzardo is a pitcher known for having a long history of injuries, including Tommy John surgery.
2023 To 2024 Comparison
But when Luzardo is healthy, he can do some damage with his pitching. Last season, he sported a 3.58 ERA with a 28.1 % strikeout rate and a 7.4 % walk rate across more than 32 starts. His numbers were good enough to assist the Marlins with getting to the Wild Card berth. But his numbers aren’t as good this season, with his injuries contributing to Luzardo’s 5.00 ERA across 66 2/3 innings. While his 4.20 SIERA (Skill-Interactive Earned Run Average) is satisfactory, his strikeout rate has fallen to 21.2%. In addition, his velocity with his fastball has decreased from 96.7mph last season to 95.1mph this season. It’s never easy when injuries negatively impact a player’s game.
Luzardo’s four-seamer was recognized as one of his best pitches last season, but this season is not as sharp. Minor league pitcher Anderson, who has been called up, has already made a start for the Marlins this season. He could get more starts with the Marlins dealing with injuries in their starting rotation. It is always nice when minor leaguers get an opportunity to play at a major league level. Most of the focus of the last-place Marlins this season is centered around what they will accomplish and tackle at the trade deadline. Luzardo is, in fact, a player’s name that has come up in prime discussion to be traded. While Luzardo is a talented potential trade chip pitcher, his reliability can be questioned due to his history of injuries.
Main Photo Credits: Rich Storry-USA TODAY Sports
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